Killary High
Cross
On the Road from
Kells to Ardee in Killary, are the remains of a medieval church. In the
Graveyard stands the shaft of a 9th century High Cross and the base of another. According
to a leading Irish Archaeologist, on the East face are Adam and Eve,the
Sacrifice of Isaac, Daniel in the Lions' Den and Noah's Ark and the West face
bears the Baptism of Christ and the adoration of the Magi, but this shaft is
very weathered and some of the images are difficult to make out, there is also
the base and the arm of another High Cross in the Corner of the Graveyard.
Kilree High Cross
Kilree High Cross is believed to be of the 9th century. A badly weathered
sandstone cross standing at 2.75 metres high, most of which is covered with
bosses and geometrical motifs. The East face pictured right, bears a hunting
scene on the arms. The ends of the South arm also has some figure sculpture
but these are difficult to interpret. On the West face is probably an
Adoration of the Magi and maybe Daniel in the Lions den. There is a tenon
joint still visible so more than likely the cross was fitted with a capstone.
The weather was not very kind to me on the day I took these pictures so I hope
to visit again soon. This old monastic site is in the middle of a cow field
with the cross standing at the far end of the Field.