There are three crosses here - the North Cross, the South Cross and the famous Cross of the Scriptures.
The crosses were taken inside the interpretation centre in 1993 and copies placed outside where the originals stood. The copies are very good. I did not go into the centre on this visit as I arrived very late.
The North Cross is just the shaft that is mainly given over to zoomorphic patterns that would have scared me to death as a kid. They are quite beautifully executed.
The South Cross is more ornate with two biblical scenes on the base and only a crucifixion (with earth and ocean represented by Tellus and Gaia) on the head - this is unique though. The remainder of the shaft is covered in patterns and knot work.
The Cross of the Scriptures is a work of art! This cross has several unique features including upturned arms to the cross and the ring standing proud of the cross. All four faces are covered in wonderful biblical scenes too numerous for me to list here, but the include the Last Judgement, Christ's Entry into Jeruselem, Christ Under the tomb-slab and Joseph Interpreting the Butler's Dreams.
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Definitely take the time to see the original crosses in the Visitor's Centre. For one thing they are much better than the copies which now occupy their original positions.
All Sites Visited On 23rd March 2003 « Previous Site Next Site »
| John B from California |  |
A Random Selection of Nearby Monuments
 Termonfeckin (Co. Louth) |  Ferns (Co. Wexford) |  Arboe (Co. Tyrone) |
 Duiske Abbey (Co. Kilkenny) |  Killamery (Co. Kilkenny) |  Durrow (Co. Offaly) |
