Notice
Kinnitty High Cross is a state-owned National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works
WARNING: It should be noted that these sites are unguided and a level of care and caution should be maintained during all stages of your visit. The Office Of Public Works (OPW) will not be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur
Kinnitty High Cross
Erected in the 9th century by the monastery abbot, Colman, for the High King of Ireland, Kinnitty High Cross is now located within the grounds of the Kinnitty Castle Hotel. Originally, the cross likely stood within the Early Christian monastery that was founded by Saint Finian Cam in the 6th century.
There are two inscriptions on the southern face of the cross that note who built the cross, and who it was built for: “A prayer for King Maelsechnaill son of Maelruanaid. A prayer for the king of Ireland. / A prayer for Colman who made the cross for the king of Ireland. A prayer for the king of Ireland.”
The cross contains biblical depictions on two of its faces of David and the Crucifixion, and has interlace and geometric patterns across its panels.
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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014
Gallery
Nearby sites to visit
Roscrea Castle, Gardens and Damer House/Black Mills
A place of medieval might and eighteenth-century elegance
Approx. 17.8 km from Kinnitty High Cross
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
A spectacular monastery on the banks of the river Shannon
Approx. 31.4 km from Kinnitty High Cross
Emo Court and Estate
A magnificent example of neo-classical architecture
Approx. 33.4 km from Kinnitty High Cross
Portumna Castle and Gardens
Seventeenth-century splendour on the shores of Lough Derg
Approx. 35.0 km from Kinnitty High Cross
Heywood Gardens
Discover a tranquil and romantic hillside landscape
Approx. 36.2 km from Kinnitty High Cross
Dunmore Cave
A unique attraction where history and geology merge
Approx. 50.9 km from Kinnitty High Cross
