It’s another early Christian settlement, established in the late 400’s by one of St. Patrick’s original followers. During my 2015 trip to Scotland, I was marveling at a chapel built in the 1,100’s. Ireland is on a completely different playing field.
Monasterboice is most famous for its high Celtic crosses built in the 10th century, with Muiredach’s High cross considered one of the best in Ireland. Each panel of the cross features biblical carvings from both old and new testaments. There are 2 other crosses on the site (North and West Crosses) but they’re slightly more worn down from the elements and aren’t as high.
There’s also a round tower, similar to the one at Glendalough, which was built around the time of the Norman invasions. Very Rapunzel-like.
The detail on the carvings came out better on monochrome photos so took a bunch to capture the detail and how well many of them have weathered over the ages.
It’s a beautiful site and well worth a visit if you happen to be around that way. Even if you’re not, it’s worth a drive. Most people only spend about half hour there but if you’re anything like me, you’ll take a stroll through the headstones and that takes some time. The old and new side by side brings home how integral history is in this place. History isn’t written over but exists alongside the new and it’s seamlessly stitched together as if it was always meant to be that way. The most recent grave there was 3 weeks old. Life and death go on down the centuries like an unbroken line and the history endures.
I’m not from a religious family but I find peace and tranquility in places like this. Some people avoid these places because they’re not of the faith depicted but personally I find that it doesn’t require a matching faith to appreciate the true beauty and energy of these ancient ruins. Marvel at the history and let the world wait a while. Pause a minute at the resting places of those who have gone before because we’ll be joining them soon enough.
