Moone High Cross

Map Reference: S790937 (2790, 1937)



The High Cross at Moone stands on the site of an Early Christian monastery allegedly founded by St Columba. It was raided in the middle of the 11th century and in the 13th century the FitzGeralds founded a new church on the site. The cross was discovered in the 19th century in pieces and re-erected.



The middle section of the shaft was missing for many years but was found buried towards the end of the century and the cross was completed. Unfortunately iron bars, which were used to hold the pieces together, rusted over the years and caused some damage to the stone. In recent years the cross has been repaired and re-erected within the ruined church.



Some modern stone inserts have replaced damaged and missing portions. The cross is over 5m high but appears to be much higher. This may be due to the relatively small head and the tall narrow base which is in the form of two truncated pyramids. Almost all of the flat surfaces are covered with figure sculpture.



The subjects include Daniel in the Lions Den, the Sacrifice of Isaac, Adam & Eve, the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, the Flight into Egypt and the Three Children in the Fiery Furnace. Other panels show spirals, angels, beasts and St Anthony & St Paul. Nearby are fragments of another cross which also has some figure carving.











For details of other Figured High Crosses click on the links below

Dysert O’Dea, Co Clare Kilfenora, Co Clare Killaloe, Co Clare Camus, Co Derry Carndonagh, Co Donegal Donaghmore, Co Down Boho, Co Fermanagh Galloon, Co Fermanagh Tuam, Co Galway Castledermott, Co Kildare Kilkeeran, Co Kilkenny Killamery, Co Kilkenny Kilree, Co Kilkenny Monasterboice, Co Louth Termonfeckin, Co Louth Duleek, Co Meath Kells, Co Meath Kells Market Cross, Co Meath Killary, Co Meath Clones, Co Monaghan Clonmacnois, Co Offaly Durrow, Co Offaly Drumcliffe, Co Sligo Ahenny, Co Tipperary Arboe, Co Tyrone Donaghmore, Co Tyrone