Ireland I-CAR-001 CIIC 15

Cluain Mhór | Clonmore (I-CAR-001)

Inscription

GUSCU

Ogham reads along the stemline — usually bottom to top on standing stones. How to read Ogham →

Stone ID
I-CAR-001
CIIC Ref.
15
Country
Ireland
This record is drawn from the OG(H)AM corpus — the authoritative scholarly database of Ogham inscriptions, compiled by a team of epigraphers, archaeologists, and linguists. Transcription conventions and dating follow established epigraphic standards.

Provenance

Discovery: First noted in 1940 by Eddie McDonald (Harbison 1991, 185, No. 11). Harbison (1991, 185) also noted the possibility of a second ogham stone, lost since the 1940s. The inscribed pillar was discovered in the graveyard, beside the grave of a certain W. Murphy, at the early ecclesiastical site of Cluain Mór Áeda or Cluain Mhór M’Áedóc. Early features include two large granite solid-wheeled crosses, nineteen cross-cavred stones, a holy well and two bullaun stones (Brindley and Kilfeather 1993, 54-5). The ogham stone, located in the graveyard , is not mentioned in the Archaeolgical Inventory of Co. Carlow.

Findspot: Clonmore (Cluain Mhór), Glebe, Co. Carlow, Ireland (ITM Coordinates: 696369, 676093)

Last recorded location(s): In situ, where it was examined and recorded in 3d for the Ogham in 3D project in 2010.

Support

National Monuments Service SMR ID: CW009-028021-

Object type: Pillar

Material: Granite

Dimensions: H 0.78 × W 0.30 × D 0.22 m

Condition: This small pillar is so weathered and lichen covered that only very faint traces of the ogham inscription remain on the lower SE angle. Harbison (1991, 185, no. 11) mentions ‘faint traces of a ringed cross in relief on the west face’ but not discernible on the stone or on the 3D model.

Inscription

Text field: There are traces of an ogham inscription on the lover part of one angle (Analysis of 3d data by Dr Thierry Daubos of the Irish Inscribed Stones project at the Moore Institute, Galway in 2010.

Letters: It is difficult to be sure due to much weathering but it is likely that the inscription was pocked. The strokes appear to be of average length and spacing.

Edition

Ogham text: ᚌ̣ᚒ̣ᚄ̣ᚉ̣ᚒ̣

Transcription: G̣ỤṢC̣Ụ

Critical apparatus:

  1. Macalister (1945, 18) read: RENI 2. The reading is very uncertain, although there are faint traces of a B-aicme letter (possibly S) followed by a H-aicme letter (possibly C or T). The initial G could be the remains of an R or another letter from the M-aicme where some of the strokes may be below ground.

References

  • Brindley and Kilfeather 1993, 54-55
  • Harbison 1991, 177-200
  • Macalister 1945, 18, no.15
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Plan Your Visit

Visiting the Cluain Mhór | Clonmore (I-CAR-001) Ogham Stone

The Cluain Mhór | Clonmore (I-CAR-001) stone is one of Ireland's finest early medieval monuments — and well worth the journey. Whether you're a dedicated epigrapher, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who loves exploring ancient places, seeing a 1,500-year-old inscription in person is an experience unlike any other.

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Getting There

Use the map and coordinates on this page to navigate directly to the stone's recorded location. Many Ogham stones are in rural churchyards or open countryside — sturdy footwear is recommended.

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What to Bring

Bring a camera with a good zoom for inscription detail. Raking light (early morning or late afternoon) makes Ogham strokes far easier to see and photograph. A notebook for rubbings or sketches adds to the experience.

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Where to Stay

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Hotels & accommodation near Cluain Mhór | Clonmore (I-CAR-001)

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