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Irish High Crosses at Clonmacnois on the River Shannon: The Cross of the Scriptures
View the the south cross from Clonmacnois. View fragment of the north cross.. Return to Celtic Monasticism: Index Return to Glendalough: High Crosses and Boundaries Return
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Clonmacnois,
showing the original location of the high crosses. Most crosses on the
grounds are replicas; the originals have been moved to the museum to
protect them. 
The original Cross
of the Scriptures, west face, showing from bottom (first visible unit)soldiers
guarding the tomb of Christ, arrest of Christ, the flagellation, the
Crucifixion in the center piece. This cross is also known as King Flann's
Cross.It is made of a single stone and is ten feet tall. The Cross was
erected by Abbot Colman for the High King Flann, who died in 914 C.E.
There is an inscription on the cross in Gaelic which says, "Colman
made this cross for King Flann." Another inscription offers, "A
prayer for Flann, son of Maelsechlain." It is believed that the
cross marks the actual location of Flann's grave. This cross is one
of the best preserved high crosses in Ireland; the east face is the
better preserved. 
Original
location of the Cross of the Scriptures, looking at the east face. 
East face of the original
Cross of the Scriptures, detail of the foundation of Clonmacnois with
Kieran and Dermot (or Diarmuid in Gaelic, from bottom visible),
two bearded men in noble dress, Ecce Homo or Mission to the Apostles.
East
face of the original Cross of the Scriptures, detail of the center piece,
the Last Judgment. 
Original
location of the Cross of the Scriptures, looking at the west face.