Early medieval seascapes in Western Ireland and the geochemistry of ecclesiastical cross stones

Results of this study suggest that early medieval inhabitants primarily used locally procured (on-island) material for cross stone production; non-locally obtained (off-island) rock was used less frequently. These results are consistent with other recent archaeological interpretations that highlight western Ireland seascapes as a connective network between members of early medieval communities who used open-water seafaring and raw material procurement/exchange as a means to maintain regional connections.