Cross Inneenboy – The Roughan Hill Tau Cross | Clare

Overview

The Burren, National Park, Co Clare Courtesy Air Swing Media

Cross Inneenboy (Irish: Cros Iníne Baoith – “cross of the daughter of Baoth”) is a rare stone tau‑cross dating from the 12th century. Carved from a single block of carboniferous limestone, the monument measures 0.43 m in height and 0.69 m across the arms. Each arm terminates in a pair of carved heads that face upwards, their hands joined between them, a distinctive feature of the tau‑cross form. The cross originally stood on a large boulder on Roughan Hill, about 2 km northwest of Kilnaboy, before being moved for safekeeping and now resides in the Clare Heritage & Genealogy Centre in Corofin. A faithful replica, installed in the early 1990s, marks the original landscape near the road between Kilnaboy and Leamaneh Castle, allowing visitors to experience the cross in its historic setting.

Dimension	Measurement
Height	0.43 m
Width (across arms)	0.69 m
Material	Limestone

The cross is a National Monument under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is protected by the National Monuments Acts 1930‑2014.

History

Corcomroe Abbey, The Burren, Co Clare Courtesy Clare County Council

Scholars agree that the cross was erected in the Romanesque period, most likely as an ecclesiastical boundary marker (a termonn) for the parish of Kilnaboy, whose name itself derives from Cill Iníne Baoith – “Church of Baoth’s daughter”. The monument is linked to Saint Inneenboy, the patron saint of the Dál gCais, and is one of only nine similar tau‑crosses known in Ireland.

Early 20th‑century antiquarians debated its origins. In 1937 Adolf Mahr proposed a connection to the Celtic double‑heads of Roquepertuse, France, a view echoed by Joseph Raftery in 1940. However, Etienne Rynne’s 1967 analysis, based on comparative craft‑style studies of three nearby tau‑croziers, convincingly re‑dated the cross to the 12th century Romanesque period, dismissing the earlier Iron‑Age idol theory.

The cross also bears a symbolic link to Saint Anthony the Great, a founder of Christian monasticism, underscoring its religious significance. Folklore once suggested the stone marked a reconciliation between the O’Brien and O’Quin families, but antiquarians have rejected this story as apocryphal.

What to See & Do

Michael Cusack Centre, Exterior, Burren, Co Clare Courtesy Michael Cusack Centre

View the original cross inside the Clare Heritage & Genealogy Centre. The museum setting allows close inspection of the carved heads, the three transverse ribs, and the subtle chamfered edges of the shaft. Admission is free.
Explore the replica on Roughan Hill. Positioned near the historic road between Kilnaboy and Leamaneh Castle, the replica offers a sense of the cross’s original landscape, framed by the iconic limestone pavements of the Burren.
Walk the ancient pilgrimage route. The tau‑cross is thought to have marked a medieval pilgrimage way through North Clare. A short footpath from the replica leads to nearby sites such as the Doorty Cross in Kilfenora or the high crosses of Kilfenora, deepening the sense of early Christian travel.
Combine with nearby attractions. The centre is a short drive from the Burren National Park information point, Dysert O’Dea Castle, the famed Poulnabrone Dolmen, and the historic ruins of Corcomroe Abbey, making it easy to weave the cross into a broader cultural day‑trip.

For a detailed map of the monument and its surroundings, consult the Historic Environment Viewer.

Burren Way Connection

The replica on Roughan Hill sits on the northern section of the Burren Way, a long‑distance trail that threads through the limestone karst of County Clare. Hikers can join the trail here and head south toward Corcomroe Abbey or north toward the iconic Cliffs of Moher. The route is well‑signposted and provides opportunities to spot rare flora such as the Burren blue‑bell and wild thyme.

Practical Information

The tau‑cross is displayed in the Clare Heritage & Genealogy Centre, housed in the former St Catherine’s Church in Corofin. The centre is open to the public during its regular opening hours; visitors should check the Heritage Ireland page for the latest times. Both the indoor display and the outdoor replica are free of charge. As the site is unguided, a modest level of care and caution is advised while navigating the museum and the replica area. The monument is protected under the National Monuments Acts, and the OPW disclaims liability for any injuries or losses.

Getting there

By car: From Kilnaboy, follow the R476 eastward for about 2 km to reach Corofin; signage for the Clare Heritage Centre is clear.
Public transport: Bus services run between Ennis and Kilnaboy, with a short taxi ride to the centre.
Cycling: The cross is a popular waypoint on several regional cycling loops, including the Noughaval Church Ruins – Leamaneh Castle loop (approximately 55 mi).

Visiting Tips

Free entry – there is no admission charge for either the museum display or the replica.
Accessibility – the replica on Roughan Hill is reachable via a short, well‑maintained path suitable for most walkers; however, the terrain is uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Combine with a walk – the same footpath links the replica to the Doorty Cross and continues towards the high crosses at Kilfenora, offering a pleasant 2‑3 km circular walk.
Refreshments – Corofin village has several cafés and pubs where you can rest after exploring the cross and the surrounding Burren landscape.
Opening times – as opening hours are not listed on the Heritage Ireland page, please verify the current schedule on the centre’s website before you travel.

Nearby Walking Routes & Attractions

The area around Roughan Hill forms part of the wider Burren Way, a long‑distance trail that traverses the limestone karst landscape of North Clare. Hikers can join the Burren Way at Roughan Hill and continue towards the Cliffs of Moher or head south to Corcomroe Abbey and the Burren Smokehouse. The route is well‑signposted and offers opportunities to spot rare flora such as the Burren blue‑bell and wild thyme.

Other nearby points of interest include:

Dysert O’Dea Castle – a 15th‑century tower house with a medieval church.
Ballyvaughan – a charming harbour village a short drive away, ideal for a seafood lunch.
Clare Abbey – the ruins of a Cistercian monastery, reachable via a short detour from the Burren Way.

These sites can be combined into a full‑day itinerary that showcases the natural and cultural richness of County Clare.