High stone Crosses of Ireland: The Ardboe Cross
Written by Jane Chadwick on May 22, 2023 | 0 Comments
Overlooking the shore of lovely Lough Neagh in Co. Tyrone, stands the 10th century, 18 ft or 5.6 m tall, Ardboe Cross. Third highest cross in all Ireland, and the tallest in Northern Ireland, Ardboe was carved from sandstone, and sits amongst the ruins of a monastery founded in 590 CE by St. Colmán.
Photo Credit: Mervyn Greer (CC BY-SA 2.0)
High crosses and cows?
The site and cross get their unusual name, "Ard Boe" from the Gaelic “High Cow.” A local legend states that the monastery was built using milk from a magical cow that emerged from Lough Neagh, merging fantastical Celtic myth with Christian faith.
Photo Credit: Kenneth Allen © (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Although the cross is somewhat damaged, the intricate carvings over 22 panels remain impressive, depicting scenes from the bible. The combination of this artistry and the setting is arresting. It's not surprising that emigrants from the surrounding area would take a small chip of stone from the cross with them on their journey.
Photo Credit: N. Chadwick (CC BY-SA 2.0)
From Sandstone to Silver
A sturdy railing now protects the original sandstone, but those wishing for their own piece of Ardboe may be taken with our careful recreation in gleaming sterling silver.
Replicating the elegant and elongated form of the original, our double-sided cross measures over 2 inches high, including the bale. The intricate illustrations of the original have been faithfully reproduced in minute detail on front and back, all expertly finished. The skill and workmanship are extraordinary.
Over 300 High Stone Crosses
Over 300 high stone crosses that date from around 800 CE to 1200 CE still stand tall in Ireland today. If you enjoyed reading about the Ardboe cross, find out more about the history and symbolism of Celtic crosses or check out the stories behind our other high stone crosses.
High Crosses of Ireland
Keep a piece of Ireland close with one of our recreations in solid sterling silver or gold. Like the original stone crosses they are inspired by, these heirlooms have been built to last.
Ardboe High Cross
AU$320.00
Gold Duleek Celtic Cross
AU$2455.00
Heirloom Muiredach Celtic Cross
AU$260.00
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Jane Chadwick
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Dublin but reared in Canada, as a child I had an interest in Ireland that will be familiar to many young emigrants. I was completely fascinated, wanting to know all about the land of my parents and grandparents. Rare month-long family trips back "Home" cemented my love for Ireland. And I wore my Irish heritage with pride, sporting my tiny silver Claddagh gifted to me by my Irish grandparents until my finger grew too large for it!
As a young adult I moved back to Dublin, studying Geology and Mineralogy in university at historic Trinity College Dublin. After living in Denmark and the Netherlands working as a scientist and university mineralogy lecturer, I finally settled back home in Dublin. I joined the growing family at My Irish Jeweler in 2016, bringing my useful knowledge of metals and minerals as well as my perspective as an Irish emigrant with a love for HOME.
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