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Cloontuskert

Location
(53°41′52″N, 8°0′57″W)
Cloontuskert
M 99 72
pre-1974 traditional (Republic of Ireland) Roscommon
now Roscommon
medieval Elphin
now Elphin
  • Rachel Moss
29 Dec 1996

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Feature Sets
Description

A number of early cross inscribed slabs and architectural fragments from various periods built into the wall of the modern graveyard.

History

An early monastery was founded here by St. Faithlinn. The monastery was re-founded c.1140 as an Arrosian priory, probably under the patronage of Turlough O'Conor. In 1244 Ruaireadh, son of Aedh O'Conor was drowned and buried here.

Features

Loose Sculpture

Comments/Opinions

It is uncertain whether these fragments are Romanesque at all, as certain aspects of the arch section, such as the low relief knot are suggestive of a later medieval period. The quadruped has parallels in Freshford Co. Kilkenny, and on the High Cross at Drumcliffe Co. Sligo. The foliage on the arch section is similar to that of the E window at Kilcreadaun in Co. Clare.

Bibliography

A. Gwynn and R.N. Hadcock Medieval Religious Houses Ireland, London, 1970, 165.