fahan early cross slabs

St. Colmcille founded a monastery here in the 6th century; records testify to its existence up till 1101. The present church is modern, but to the east of the church there is a cross-slab which has been dated to the 7th-9th century.

On one face it has two figures surrounding a cross composed of interlaced bands and on the other face is a cross of similar design. On the north side is the only Greek inscription known from Early Christian Ireland; in translation, it reads 'Glory and honour to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit'. Beside the gate of the cemetery, set into the outside wall, is a cross-slab with a ringed cross in a square.

The crosier of St. Mura (the first abbot) and the shrine of St. Mura's bell from the monastery are now in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.