Anglo-Saxon (Northumbrian) Runestones In Ireland

Clonmacnois Runestone 625 - Barony of Garrycastle, Ireland (700 CE)

Background

(March 29, 2026) Macalister reports that this stone was one of hundreds of fragments left behind after the 1552 destruction of this monastery by English soldiers garrisoned at Athlone during English King Henry VIII's war against Catholic monasteries after he split with Rome.

This site was originally established as a monastery by St. Ciarán on the banks of the River Shannon in the 700's. The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning, a University of its time with students from all over Europe. Ireland's move from a monastic framework to a diocesan one in the 1100's during the imposition of Norman control greatly diminished it wealth but not before a small Cathedral had been built. Still it contained a large amount more ancient stone architecture including 2 round Towers, 3 high crosses, 9 Churches and over 700 Early Christian grave slabs.

It measures 28 x 18 x 3 inches

Ancient Christian parchments recorded that Irish monks traveled to Northumbria to convert the Pagans. Apparently this was in response to Northumbrian Druids coming over to Ireland. Northumbria was ruled by Anglo-Saxon kings between 654 and 1066 CE.

This stone was likely somewhat preserved because it was used in the construction of one of the many monastic buildings.

References

Macalister, R A Stewart. 1945. Corpus Inscriptionum Insularum Celticarum Volume 2, pages 43 and with plate in the appendix. Online at: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Corpus_Inscriptionum_Insularum_Celticaru/4jgaAAAAYAAJ?hl=en

Translation in Druid Akkadian (Northern Text 209)

(read left to right. Capital letters on object. Small letters are inferred Inner vowels. Vowels are italic bold, Dual use letters are E/H, I/Y, U/W, and '/A in which vowel appears at beginning of words except for Yahu which is keeping its traditional Hebrew transliteration)

Runic letter style is Anglo-Saxon from letter chart: North European Runic Lineage

Dictionary used: Latest Runic Akkadian dictionary

Ka'u Nu Su Gi. Gi SaKu Ḫu

In English

Prodding will reveal Su's energy. Energy will pound Hu.

Comment: Su is the Druid dark new moon god who is the power behind astrology-magic. This text is claiming his energy will make the life powers represented by the sun and storm god, Hu, conform to the natural order.

Previously Attempted Translation

CONASSACH

No English translation provided

The symbol is likely the archaic Druid letter "T" meaning "astrology-magic." It is an equilateral cross in contrast to the Christian cross which has a long lower arm.