Ireland

Ireland

Knowth, Ireland

Knowth

Knowth

Knowth Waves

County Meath, Ireland

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Admin

County Meath, Ireland

Spire Restaurant in Duleek

Celtic Cross and possibly a High Cross

Cross is at an old church that's converted to the Spire Restaurant in Duleek

Celtic Cross in old church yard (converted to the Spire Restaurant) in Duleek

This may be a High Cross. I didn’t see a grave. According to Bernd Biege,

“High Crosses were used to mark a sacred space and declare adherence to the Christian beliefs. Basically it’s a sign saying “Here be Christians!”, but also “This is hallowed ground, keep its peace!”

High crosses were also used as a focal point of celebrations – out of necessity one might say. The classic layout of the early monastic settlements included a church, a cross and (if funds permitted) a round tower – the latter’s door oriented towards the first’s entrance, with the cross in the middle. And the church was usually too small for even a modest congregation. Which meant that the huddled masses had to attend mass al fresco. Gathered around the cross.

But not all High Crosses were of an ecclesiastical nature – some seem to have been connected to territorial rights, marking a market place for instance. Others were erected to commemorate an important event or person.

The only use High Crosses were not put to was … as an actual grave marker.”