High stone Crosses of Ireland: The Muiredach Cross
Written by Jane Chadwick on May 22, 2023 | 0 Comments
The spectacular Muiredach Cross stands an imposing 19 feet or 5.8 m in height amongst the ruins of the monastery of Monasterboice, in County Louth.
Photo Credit: Chris Andrews (CC-BY-SA2.0)
Most impressive in Ireland?
Carved and erected between 900 and 920 CE, this high stone cross is believed to be the most impressive surviving example of early medieval Irish stonework. Every surface of the sandstone bears intricate carving, including Illustrated panels depicting iconic stories from the Bible.
Photo Credit: Steven Zucker, Smarthistory (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Some say it is Ireland's greatest contribution to European sculpture and is under consideration to become an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cross gets its name from an inscription at its base ÓR DO MUIREDACH LAS NDERNAD IN CHROS, which translates from Gaeilge as "a prayer for Muiredach who had this cross made".
Muiredach, the abbot of Monasterboice Monastry, may have been a cat lover as two of his feline friends appear with his dedication at the base of the cross.
Photo Credit: Steven Zucker, Smarthistory (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
From Sandstone to Silver and Gold
Just like the cross it is modeled on, our double sided, Muiredach cross is imposing, measuring 2 inches high including the bale.
Inspired by the skilled work if the stonemasons of the original cross, the intricate illustrations have been recreated in minute detail on both sides, 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 Muiredach 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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