Durrow Abbey, Co Offaly

Map Reference: N321307 (2321, 2307)

Durrow Abbey was founded in the middle of the 6th century by St Columba. The earliest traces of the abbey are the High Cross and some cross-inscribed gravestones. The present church may incorporate parts of an earlier building, including a small stone face above the doorway. The magnificent High Cross depicts biblical scenes including the Fall of Man, Cain & Abel, and the Sacrifice of Isaac. The choice of scenes and the style of work suggests that the artist was responsible for Muiredach's Cross at Monasterboice and the Cross of the Scriptures at Clonmacnois.



High Cross, East Face



High Cross, West Face



High Cross, East Face showing the Sacrifice of Isaac



High Cross, South Face showing the Fall of Man & Cain and Abel



Some of the cross-inscribed gravestones













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 Moone, 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 Drumcliffe, Co Sligo Ahenny, Co Tipperary Arboe, Co Tyrone Donaghmore, Co Tyrone