Near to the round tower stands the West or Tall Cross. This cross, that was once called St. Bween's Cross (Weir), stands a massive 6m tall and, although weathered, is quite incredible. The carved panels are of much poorer execution than the best cross here.
In one corner of the graveyard is a cross with the crucifixion on one face and several spirals on the rear. Next to this is a plain cross pillar and a sundial.
Monasterboice's pride and glory has to be Muiredach's Cross. The carving on this is exquisite. The panels include Moses striking the Rock, Adam and Eve & the tree, the Triumph of David, Doubting Thomas (unique in Ireland) and the Flight into Egypt. There is also a fine carving of two mutual beard pullers.
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_All Sites Visited On 3rd June 2002 « Previous Site Next Site »
Instead of rushing around and drving many miles this weekend my wife and I ecided to visit some of the 'slow down and take it easy' sites neaer to home. So, Monasterboice seemed like an obvious choice for a starting position, although we arrived later than I wanted to. Surprisingly there was only one coach load of tourists and one car in the car park when we arrived. More were to turn up later.
We stood and inspected the crosses with the help of Harbison's High cross book (see reviews) and then listened to a German guide explaining the cross to her party. She was extremely knowledgeable regarding the panels.
This spot is such a lovely one. The trees of the graveyard hide the impressiveness of the location from you, so take the time to woander around the edge of the graveyard and look over the walls. The low hills rise up behind you, and although these are not high they do obscure the view sufficiently to make the view to the south even more impressive. You get the impression that the site is a lot older than the Christian establishment that now occupies it.
| John B from California |  |
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_A Random Selection of Nearby Monuments
 Tihilly (Co. Offaly) |  Kells (Co. Meath) |  Drumcliff (Co. Sligo) |
 Ullard (Co. Kilkenny) |  Moone (Co. Kildare) |  Boho (Co. Fermanagh) |
