Rosenallis Cross Slabs, Laois

Rosenallis

Cross Slabs

The Rosenallis cross slabs were on my bucket list for a long time. It was a great thrill to actually view them. These three slabs are fascinating. They originally came from the nearby Rearymore Church. All three slabs are decorated with intricate designs. Some of the motifs used are similar to those on the Rathdown slabs, while others remind me of the passage tomb art at Knowth and Newgrange. The geometrc motifs include, Spirals, Zig-zags, Diamond shapes, Lozenge shapes and circles. Some of these shapes are thought to be ancient sun symbols and many appear on some of the early Irish high crosses, the cross at Moone being one of them. The largest slab, pictured far left, has a face-like feature, and the smallest is said be decorated with a Tau Cross. They have proved difficult to date, but may be as early as the 7th century. Please seek permission before visiting.


	Rosenallis Cross Slabs The Rosenallis cross slabs were on my bucket list for a long time. It was a great thrill to actually view them. These three slabs are fascinating. They originally came from the nearby Rearymore Church. All three slabs are decorated with intricate designs. Some of the motifs used are similar to those on the Rathdown slabs, while others remind me of the passage tomb art at Knowth and Newgrange. The geometrc motifs include, Spirals, Zig-zags, Diamond shapes, Lozenge shapes and circles. Some of these shapes are thought to be ancient sun symbols and many appear on some of the early Irish high crosses, the cross at Moone being one of them. The largest slab, pictured far left, has a face-like feature, and the smallest is said be decorated with a Tau Cross. They have proved difficult to date, but may be as early as the 7th century. Please seek permission before visiting.
Situated: St Brigid's Roman Catholic Church, Rosenallis. Permission to view required. Discovery Map 54: N 3959 0961. Last visit Mar 2018. Longitude: 7° 24' 30" W Latitude: 53° 8' 8" N Google Map Photos: Jim Dempsey.