Rathdown Graveyard
Here is a photo of the graveyard in Rathmichael. It shows three of the slabs displayed on the old wall. Notice how the differ from the more modern headstones in the rest of the yard.
Audrey GeraghtyRathdown Graveyard
Audrey Geraghty
Audrey Geraghty
Rathdown Graveyard
Here is a photo of the graveyard in Rathmichael. It shows three of the slabs displayed on the old wall. Notice how the differ from the more modern headstones in the rest of the yard.
Audrey GeraghtyAlthough we can't say for definite, we believe that the slabs would have been grave markers.
The fact that they were found in close proximity to churches suggests that they were used in Christian burials.
However, they are not normal Christian headstones. Instead, many of the designs bear the hallmarks of Viking craftsmanship.
For instance the concentric circles, cup marks, radiating lines, herringbone patterns, semi-circular loops and abstract crosses are all patterns usually associated with pagan monuments. They would not usually be found on Christian headstones.
Christian Elements
Widescreen shot of Rathdown slabs at Rathmichael
Rathdown slabs at Rathmichael
Widescreen shot of Rathdown slabs at Rathmichael
Widescreen shot of Rathdown slabs at Rathmichael
Rathdown slabs at Rathmichael
However, there are typically Christian aspects found on the slabs too.
They are thin (4-5 inches) compared to normal pagan monuments.
Also, alongside the pagan designs there are Christian ones, such as the Latin wheel cross.
We therefore believe that there was a Christian influence on the design of the Rathdown slabs.
Because of this mix of Pagan and Christian characteristics, we believe the slabs were made by Viking settlers who had recently converted to Christianity. This would date them to around 1000 AD.