The stone bears distinctive markings on one of its faces: a large inscribed cross accompanied by a miniature cross and two small circular depressions, carved by unknown hands centuries ago.

The pillar represents one of many cross-inscribed stones scattered throughout Ireland, monuments that likely served as territorial markers, memorial stones, or waymarkers for early Christian communities. These carved crosses became particularly common from the 7th century onwards, as Christianity spread throughout Ireland and local communities began marking their sacred spaces and boundaries with religious symbols.

The Magheranaul pillar has been documented extensively by archaeological surveys over the years, featuring in the Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland and various academic catalogues. Despite its inclusion alongside megalithic tombs in these surveys, the stone likely dates from the early medieval period rather than prehistoric times, making it a relatively recent addition to Donegal’s ancient landscape; though still well over a thousand years old.