CELTIC CROSS, MONASTERBOICE

From Atlas and Cyclopedia of Ireland (1900)

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Description of County Louth | Drogheda | St. Lawrence's Gate, Drogheda | Mellifont Abbey | Celtic Cross, Monasterboice | Louth Map

THE CELTIC CROSS, MONASTERBOICE.—Monasterboice, the name of which is derived from St. Buithè, a disciple of St. Patrick, who founded a religious establishment there about the end of the fifth century, is about five and a half miles distant from Drogheda, and possesses ruins of great interest and very remote antiquity. Among them are a round tower and three crosses, two of the latter being the finest of the kind in Ireland, one of which is shown in the accompanying illustration. It is entirely covered on both sides with sculptured images, the subjects of which are plainly apparent. The round tower is 110 feet high, and must have been considerably higher, as the cap and upper parts were destroyed by lightning many years ago. It is 51 feet in circumference; is divided into five stories, and has a doorway six feet from the ground. The railing was erected to prevent relic hunters defacing the picturesque remains.

Celtic Cross, Monasterboice

Celtic Cross, Monasterboice

Description of County Louth | Drogheda | St. Lawrence's Gate, Drogheda | Mellifont Abbey | Celtic Cross, Monasterboice | Louth Map

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