Location: The original cross is now kept in the visitors centre while a replica is where the cross was in the main Clonmacnoise site. As the cross is in the visitors centre, there is no need for map references.
Description and History: This cross is simply stunning and has to be right up there among Ireland’s finest. Standing at 4m in height the original now stands in the visitor's centre well away from the erosive power of the weather. In its place a replica now stands so you can see what it was like in situ. This cross dates to the early 10th century and was erected by King Flann Sinna and Abbot Colman, as witnessed in the inscriptions at the base of the shaft.. On its west face is the crucifixion, and the resurrection and the last judgement also appear. There are also many non-biblical scenes including a warrior holding a pole which may be a representation of Abbot Colman or King Flann. The head of the cross and the shaft are carved from a single piece of sandstone stone and then slotted into the pyramid shaped base.
Difficulty: Easy as it's in the visitor's centre.
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| The Crucifixion. |
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| The inscription mentioned above. |
