Celtic Crosses

Ahenny South Cross

Celtic crosses or High crosses are one of the the things Celtic art is most famous for. They are found throughout Ireland . These were used to mark meeting points or boundaries others may have been used in religious ceremonies.




















A link containing the locations of these Celtic crosses: Celtic crosses location in Ireland

Castledermot South Cross

The earliest found crosses were made of wood and metal. later crosses were made of stone, these free standing structures were richly decorated and a unique tradition. These were also probably painted and over a modeled layer of plaster but due to the weathering effects these faded throughout the centuries.























The earlier crosses were 2 meters in height but other crosses which are found in Ireland were even bigger , being up to 3 times higher holding wide proportions compared to the other crosses. Some crosses contain an intersecting ring coining it the Celtic cross, this symbolizes Celtic Christianity.

During the Celtic revival these crosses were being used as burial markers.

High  Crosses:

Ardboe

Found along the shore of Lough Neagh, St Colman founded a monetary in the 6th century.

At the the entrance this cross is found, third largest of of its kind standing roughly 5.6 meters tall.

On this cross we find biblical stories the right side bears:

"1. Adoration of Magi.

2. Wedding at Canna.

3. Loaves and Fishes.

4. Christ enters Jerusalem

5. Mocking or Arrest of Christ ?"

The West Head bears a crucifixion scene.

Market Cross

Thought of as being the most famous high cross. Found in Kells, this cross stands 3.35 meters high though not originally situated there it now stands in front of the Heritage Center.

The center of the East face depicts Daniel in the lions den, to the left of it the sacrifice of Isaac, the right bearing the temptation of St Anthony.

The west face bears the Crusifiction on the top part below it the loaves and fishes.

Many other stories are depicted on this cross.

Base East Face

North face









South Face








West Face









Sources:



The High Crosses of Ireland. 2013. The High Crosses of Ireland. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.megalithicireland.com/High%20Cross%20Home.htm. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Celtic cross - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 2013. Celtic cross - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. [ONLINE] Available at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_cross. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Celtic High Cross - symbols of Ireland's ancient past. 2013. Celtic High Cross - symbols of Ireland's ancient past. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/Celtic-high-cross.html. [Accessed 19 May 2013].