High Crosses and Boundaries

High Crosses are found throughout Ireland, but also in parts of Wales. There are more than sixty fully intact High Crosses in Ireland, and at least a hundred fragments of crosses. The oldest existent High Cross dates to the eighth century. The characteristic circle on the Celtic High Cross has an uncertain origin, but may symbolize the path of the sun, a holdover from pagan days, or the crown of thorns worn by Christ. The circle joins the beams of the cross, and so symbolizes the union of heaven and earth. The crosses have many of the same intertwining patterns as are found in the illuminated manuscripts.

There are three main types of Celtic High Crosses: the Plain Cross, such as St. Kevin's Cross, the ornamental cross, such as the south cross at Clonmacnois, and the scriptural cross, such as at Monasterboice (Muiredach's Cross) and Clonmacnois (Cross of the Scriptures).

St. Kevin's Cross at Glendalough according to legend, anyone who can wrap their arms around the cross the cross will receive their wish. St. Kevin's Cross is a fine example of a plain cross, and it was carved from a single granite stone. It is over one meter across the arms. Its ring is very unusual, as it is not perforated at the intersection of the shaft and the arms.

High Cross at Moon, Ireland.

High Crosses at Clonmacnois, Ireland.

High Crosses at Castledermot, Ireland.

High Crosses at Monasterboice, Ireland.

High Cross at Nevern, Wales.

High Crosses on Iona

High Cross of St. Meilig in Wales

The use of circles and crosses marked out the monastic enclosure as a holy place. It was a place where the saints of the past were present to the living.

Continue to the next page: Virtual Tour of Glendalough: A Pictorial Tour of Places Associated with St. Kevin

Return to the Index of Celtic Monasticism

copyright © Dr. Deborah Vess 1999. All rights reserved. Photographs by Dr. Deborah Vess. Visitors to this site are welcome to use the photos and other information for educational purposes provided that user acknowledges the source.