1.
Said to be the tallest cross in Ireland (pictured above) the West Cross in Monasterboice stands at 21 feet tall.
2.
The second tallest cross (17.5 ft) stands in Moone, County Kildare. The monastery ruins where it stands are older than the cross, possibly dating to St Palladius, the first bishop sent to Ireland. (Yes, before St. Patrick.)
3. Some of the high crosses are thought to mimic the wood and metal crosses that preceded them. Look at the “studs” on this cross. Ahenny High Cross in County Tipperary.
4. The Downpatrick High Cross was relocated from the busy downtown area of Downpatrick and erected in front of Downpatrick Cathedral….in 1897! The photo below is from my visit. Now it’s placed inside and a replica is in its place, showing what it originally looked like. See it here.
5. Kilfenora in County Clare is known as the city of crosses. It was once home to seven high crosses. See more here.
