Newtown Monasterboice Travel Guide

Fondest memory: Christ is enthroned between St. Peter and St. Paul. He hands the keys to Peter on His right and a book to Paul.

PS: Much of the information on this page was taken from Helen M. Roe, Monasterboice and its Monuments (County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, 1981).

Fondest memory: Two felines, one with a kitten, the other with a bird, sit in high relief before an inscription which is usually translated "a prayer for Muiredach for whom the cross was made [or who caused the cross to be erected]." The Muiredach in this inscription is generally thought to be the abbot who died in 922/23, thus giving the cross its name and the suggested dating (900-923).

PS: Much of the information on this page was taken from Helen M. Roe, Monasterboice and its Monuments (County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, 1981).

Fondest memory: A young beardless Christ stands in the centre held by two soldiers; thus, this could be a depiction of the arrest of Christ. Because Christ is dressed in regal fashion with a large, ornate brooch and because he carries a wand (sceptre), this may represent the mocking of Christ when the soldiers dressed Him in a purple robe and crown of thorns and gave him a mock sceptre of reed, hailing Him as "King of the Jews." (John 19:4-6)

PS:Much of the information on this page was taken from Helen M. Roe, Monasterboice and its Monuments (County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, 1981).

Favorite thing: The right cross arm depicts the Resurrection with guards kneeling on each side of the tomb and three angels behind them holding in a napkin a small figure representing the soul.

PS: Much of the information on this page was taken from Helen M. Roe, Monasterboice and its Monuments (County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, 1981).

Fondest memory: In the centre Christ holds up His right hand as if saying to Thomas on his right, "Reach your finger here; see my hands. Reach your hand here and put it into my side. Be unbelieving no longer, but believe" (John 20:27). The figure on the right with the book may be St. John the Evangelist, who alone tells this post-resurrection story.

PS: Much of the information on this page was taken from Helen M. Roe, Monasterboice and its Monuments (County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, 1981).