The cross originally stood at Ballyman (about 1.6 km (0.99 mi) NNW of the present site), and is believed to have been carved in the late 12th century.

[3] According to the English writer Anne Plumptre (1760–1818), who stayed with the Walker family at St. Valery in 1814–15, the cross was brought from a glen to Fassaroe, and stood originally in the center of a little paddock, round which runs the plantation.

Pilgrims travelled from miles around and wore many paths down to the cross.

[4] The cross is made of granite with a band of quartz and stands 1.42 m (4.7 ft) high and is 16 cm (6.3 in) wide.

There are two other heads on the cross: one protruding from the south edge of the ring and another is situated on the north eastern side of the base.