Moone High Cross

The Moone High Cross, situated in County Kildare, is a significant example of early medieval stone carving, believed to date to the 8th century. Standing at a height of 5.4 meters (17.5 feet), it ranks as one of the tallest and best-preserved high crosses in the country. The cross is constructed from granite and is intricately divided into three distinct sections: the base, shaft, and head.

The history of the Moone High Cross is marked by its discovery and subsequent restoration. In 1835, during archaeological work in the graveyard next to the medieval church, two sections of the cross were unearthed. Recognizing its historical value, the Duke of Leinster facilitated the re-erection of these sections on the church grounds. It was not until 1893 when a third section, the middle shaft, was located, allowing for the complete reconstruction of the cross to its original height.

The artistic significance of the Moone High Cross is reflected in its elaborate iconography. The cross features a series of biblical scenes, such as Daniel in the lion’s pit, the three children in the fiery furnace, and the miracle of the loaves and fishes. These carvings served as an informative guide sharing biblical stories through imagery.

In addition to these biblical scenes, the cross is decorated with intricate carvings of animals and birds on all four sides of the shaft, which enhance its visual complexity. The west face of the head showcases an ancient spiral sun, a symbol often associated with pre-Christian beliefs, while a lozenge, another pre-Christian sun symbol, is positioned below it. The base of the cross is particularly noteworthy, featuring carvings of the 12 Apostles beneath a scene of the crucifixion.

The monastery linked to the Moone High Cross is traditionally believed to have been founded by St. Palladius in the 5th century and subsequently dedicated to St. Columcille in the 6th century. This ecclesiastical site highlights the intersection of religious and artistic expression in early medieval Ireland. The addition of a glass roof to the site in recent years serves to protect the cross from environmental damage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

East face:   Daniel and the Lion’s Den

Sacrifice of Isaac

Adam and Eve

South side:   Miracle or the loaves and fishes

Flight into Egypt

Children in a Fiery Furnace

West face:   Twelve apostles

Crucifixion

North side:  Unidentified Monster

Temptation of St Anthony

Saints Paul and Anthony in the Desert.

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This national monument is protected in accordance with the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014