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Reask

Dingle, Kerry
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The oldest surviving artefacts of the Celtic church are the cross-pillars and slabs found at a number of monastic sites throughout the country. They represent the first tentative steps in the development of Irish ecclesiastical art. Unlike the alter ringed crosses which evolved from them, the earliest Christian crosses were simply inscribed on suitable natural stones with no attempt at shaping. Sometimes in situ pagan standing stones were adopted for the purpose.

The Reask cross-pillar is one of several early monuments recently discovered at an ancient enclosure in the west of the Dingle peninsula. It is among the most exquisite of its type and in the few years since it came to light it has attracted widespread attention. The late influence of Celtic La Tene decoration is implicit in the flowing spiral patterns, while the incorporation of the bold intrinsic facets of the stone into the overall design is especially striking, producing a harmony of line and form that is aesthetically very pleasing.

Welcome Picture of Reask
Welcome Picture of Reask

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Description

The abbreviated inscription dne running vertically down the side of the stone is presumably dedicatory.

Two small additional cross-pillars have lately been uncovered and erected alongside; on one of these is an unusual bird motif. Other remains here include the bases of conjoined clochans, the ruins of a small oratory and part of the monastery wall. Results of excavation indicate that the site was in use over a long period.