High stone Crosses of Ireland: Ancient treasures to discover
Written by Ciaran Vipond on Mar 21, 2024 | 0 Comments
Any road trip around Ireland is bound to bring you past at least one Irish High Stone Cross. Recognised by many to be the pinnacle of Irish artistic achievement in the Middle Ages, around 300 of these spectacular works remain, standing tall in monastic sites, churchyards, and fields.
Photo Credit: Chris Andrews (CC-by-SA-2.0)
Irish Culture and History
Dating from around 800 to 1200 CE, these crosses are often imposing measuring up to six metres, 20ft or so tall. They are a spectacular legacy of the so called Golden Age of Saints and Scholars in Ireland and are a rich part of Irish culture and history.
For many, these crosses are a literal touch stone. In communities around Ireland, there are wonderful stories attached to local crosses, leading many to have or wear replicas of these works.
The "Wishing Cross" at Glendalough in 1932
Our High Crosses
Inspired by the skilled work if the masons who carved the originals in stone, our High Crosses recreate their intricate illustrations and designs in minute detail in solid sterling silver and gold.
Over 300 High Stone Crosses
With over 300 high stone crosses still stand tall in Ireland today, we have picked 10 that really impress. In no particular order, click on the links below to find out more about each of them or check out our guide on the history and symbolism of Celtic crosses.
- The Ardboe Cross: The Tallest Cross in Northern Ireland
- The Carndonagh Cross: The Oldest High stone cross still standing in Ireland
- The Clonmacnoise Cross: The Cross commissioned by a High King of Ireland
- The Drumcliffe Cross: The Cross featuring the Virgin Mary and Child
- The Duleek Cross: A small but mighty high stone cross with bonus astronomy?
- The Durrow Cross: The cross with a surviving Pattern festival
- St. Kevin's High Cross at Glendalough: The "wishing" cross
- St Martin's High Cross of Iona: An "Irish" High Cross in Scotland
- The Moone Cross: The second tallest high stone cross in Ireland
- The Muiredach Cross: The finest high stone cross in Ireland
High Crosses of Ireland
Keep a piece of Ireland close with one of our high crosses. Recreating the spectacular designs of ancient stone crosses still standing in Ireland today, these solid sterling silver, yellow or white gold 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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Ciaran Vipond
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
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