Cross-slab (present location), Ballynally, Co. Donegal
Housed within the parochial house in Moville for safekeeping, this small cross-slab tells a quiet story of medieval Irish craftsmanship.
Cross-slab (present location), Ballynally, Co. Donegal
The stone measures just 61 centimetres long and tapers from 15 centimetres at its widest point down to a mere 8 centimetres at the narrow end. At the broader upper section, an intricate Latin wheeled cross rises from the surface, stretching 37 centimetres in length and 14 centimetres across its arms.
The carving displays remarkable detail for its modest size. The cross features a shaft 4 centimetres wide, whilst the top and arms measure 3 and 2.5 centimetres respectively, all encircled by a wheel just 1.7 centimetres wide. A distinctive groove runs through the centre of the wheel, doubling at the arms and top before extending 8.5 centimetres down the shaft. This clever doubling effect creates an inner cross with an expanded square centre, a sophisticated design element that speaks to the skill of its unknown creator. Though some damage mars the lower portion of the shaft, the overall preservation remains impressive.
The cross-slab’s journey to Moville began in Glennagiveny, where it lay buried approximately three feet beneath the soil before being unearthed during archaeological work. According to the Donegal Archaeological Survey, the stone was relocated to its current home in Ballynally, where it continues to offer visitors a tangible connection to Ireland’s early Christian heritage. Its modest dimensions belie the careful artistry invested in every carved line, making it a fascinating example of how even the smallest artefacts can illuminate centuries of religious and artistic tradition.





