What they are
A high cross is a free-standing stone cross, often richly carved and probably once painted, from the early medieval tradition of Ireland and Britain. The dates of the best-preserved early crosses tend to converge on the years around or just before 800. Irish crosses are mostly ringed, larger, and carry more figure carving than those elsewhere; the tallest is the Tall Cross at Monasterboice, County Louth, at about seven metres. Many have been moved from where they first stood.
(Wikipedia, "High cross" ↗)
The record counts each surviving piece or site separately, so a base with no cross, a head built into a wall, or a cross known only from an old map each has a record. Some crosses have been taken indoors to protect them from weathering (the Kilfenora crosses in County Clare were moved into the cathedral around 2006, the record says); their old sites and their present locations may both be on the list.
Where they are
Meath 26Tipperary 16Kildare 15Offaly 15Wicklow 13Clare 12Galway 12Carlow 11Donegal 11Kilkenny 11Wexford 10Louth 9Roscommon 8Kerry 5Sligo 5Westmeath 5Dublin 4Leitrim 3Laois 2Mayo 2Monaghan 2Longford 1Waterford 1
High cross records in the Republic, by county (not counting the 35 present-location records).
County by county
Open a county for every record: townland, a line quoted from the survey's own description where it has one, the SMR number (linked to the Historic Environment Viewer) and a map link where the record has a position.
County Antrim · none found in the Northern Ireland record
Northern Ireland keeps its own record. Its open data is counted here but not listed; search it on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division), OpenDataNI ↗.
County Armagh · 1 in the Northern Ireland record (count only)
Northern Ireland keeps its own record. Its open data is counted here but not listed; search it on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division), OpenDataNI ↗.
County Carlow · 11 high crosses · 2 present-location
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Garryhundon
· “Within graveyard is plain, bossed solid-wheeled cross and base.”
· SMR CW012-025002- ↗
· map ↗
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Glebe (Rathvilly By.)
· “Imperforate granite cross head (Wth across arms 1.58m) with one part of the ring broken and a cross in relief surrounded by a circle on both the E and W faces.”
· SMR CW009-028003- ↗
· map ↗
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Glebe (Rathvilly By.)
· “Referred to as 'St. Mogue's Cross'”
· SMR CW009-028004- ↗
· map ↗
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Kildreenagh
· “The head and part of the shaft of a high cross are built into a field fence.”
· SMR CW016-032003- ↗
· map ↗
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Lorum
· “Portion of narrow, granite shaft (H 0.55m; Wth 0.30m; T 0.15m) in flat, disc-shaped base standing on small cairn (diam. 2.1m; H 1.1m).”
· SMR CW019-010001- ↗
· map ↗
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Nurney
· “To N of present graveyard is well-preserved solid-wheeled cross with central boss and rope mouldings on each face (H 1.88m; Wth across arms 1.1m; Wth of bottom of shaft 0.32m).”
· SMR CW012-048003- ↗
· map ↗
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Oldleighlin
· “Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Small granite undecorated wheeled cross with edge mouldings now standing in modern enclosure by St Molaise's Well.”
· SMR CW011-016003- ↗
· map ↗
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Orchard (Idrone East By.)
· “Date of revision: 22 July 2011 Revised by: Claire Breen Portion of shaft, head and base of granite cross.”
· SMR CW012-044001- ↗
· map ↗
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Orchard (Idrone East By.)
· present location
· “Portion of shaft, head and base of granite cross.”
· SMR CW012-044002- ↗
· map ↗
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St. Mullin's
· “Upper portion and base of solid-wheeled cross.”
· SMR CW026-011003- ↗
· map ↗
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Templeowen
· “Head of solid-wheeled cross with mouldings and projecting arms ( H 1.02m; Wth across arms 1.1m; T 0.26m), decorated with step and interlace patterns.”
· SMR CW008-078---- ↗
· no position on record
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Tullowbeg
· present location
· “Head of high cross inserted into top of stone structure covering holy well which has been built into S face of NE wall of graveyard where Augustinian friary was located.”
· SMR CW008-045011- ↗
· map ↗
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Waterstown
· “A granite, undecorated, solid-wheeled cross (H 1.92m; Wth across arms 0.87m) with edge mouldings and slightly projecting arms, set in rectangular base (L 0.71m; Wth 0.6m). (Harbison 1992, 184 (entry 232)) Reference: …”
· SMR CW004-012003- ↗
· map ↗
County Cavan · no high crosses on the record
County Clare · 12 high crosses · 1 present-location
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Inishcaltra or Holy Island
· “A wheeled high cross, the upper portion of which is mounted on the S wall of the nave of St. Caimin’s church on Inis Cealtra, 7.82m from the E end.”
· SMR CL029-009014- ↗
· map ↗
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Kells
· “Named ‘Cross’ on the OS 25-inch plan (1897) - which appears to show its location c. 8m to the NW of a rath - and similarly recorded on the Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map.”
· SMR CL017-088003- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilcarragh
· “This is the 12th-century high cross known as the ‘West cross’”
· SMR CL016-015005- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilfenora
· “Erected c. 2006 in the middle of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral due to weathering.”
· SMR CL016-015006- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilfenora
· “Erected c. 2006 in the SE corner of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral due to weathering.”
· SMR CL016-015007- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilfenora
· “Erected c. 2006 in the NW corner of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral due to weathering.”
· SMR CL016-015008- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilfenora
· “Erected c. 2006 in the NE corner of the ‘sacristy’ or N transept of Kilfenora Cathedral due to weathering.”
· SMR CL016-015013- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilfenora
· “This record is for the original location of a high cross from Kilfenora that is now in the cathedral of Killaloe.”
· SMR CL016-015014- ↗
· no position on record
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Kilfenora
· “A small fragment of carved stone found in the graveyard at Kilfenora c. 1954 and mounted in the ruined chancel of the Cathedral.”
· SMR CL016-015022- ↗
· map ↗
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Mollaneen
· “This is the high cross of St. Tola, traditionally the founder of the monastic site, listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Cross’ and sometimes known as the ‘White cross of Tola’”
· SMR CL025-094---- ↗
· map ↗
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Shantraud
· no description uploaded yet
· SMR CL045-033008- ↗
· map ↗
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Shantraud
· present location
· “This high cross (H 4.2m; Wth across arms just over 1m) was, according to Swinfen (1992, 43), originally located in the same field as the West cross at Kilfenora (see CL016-015014-) and was moved to Killaloe in 1821 by …”
· SMR CL045-033009- ↗
· map ↗
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Shantraud
· “This cross-inscribed ogham stone was 'discovered in 1916, built into the wall surrounding the cathedral [at Killaloe] enclosure: now set up on a supporting stone inside the building' (0.89 x 0.46 x 0.2m converted from …”
· SMR CL045-033010- ↗
· map ↗
County Cork · no high crosses on the record
County Donegal · 11 high crosses · 1 present-location
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Carrowmore (Gleneely Ed)
· “Just beyond the N side of this wall is a flat-topped boulder (dims. L 1.2m x Wth 0.43m) with the remains of a socket (dims. Wth 0.17m x D 0.45m) which may be the base of a high cross.”
· SMR DG011-049003- ↗
· map ↗
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Carrowmore (Gleneely Ed)
· “Just beyond the N side of this wall is a flat-topped boulder which may be the base of a high cross.”
· SMR DG011-049005- ↗
· map ↗
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Carrowmore (Gleneely Ed)
· “Just beyond the N side of this wall is a flat-topped boulder which may be the base of a high cross.”
· SMR DG011-049006- ↗
· map ↗
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Churchland Quarters
· “This monument number records the original location of a high cross, which is a National Monument in state ownership (no. 271).”
· SMR DG011-035005- ↗
· map ↗
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Churchland Quarters
· present location
· “This monument number records the present location of a high cross, which is a National Monument in state ownership (no. 271).”
· SMR DG011-035009- ↗
· map ↗
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Clonca
· “This high cross, which is a National Monument in state ownership (No. 25) is recorded by the Donegal Survey as follows: ‘In the field W of the graveyard is the stem and part of one arm of a restored, decorated, stone …”
· SMR DG012-002006- ↗
· map ↗
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Clonca
· “This high cross, which is a National Monument (No. 25), is recorded by the Donegal Survey as follows: ‘Further W in the same field is the ringed-head of a second large cross.”
· SMR DG012-002007- ↗
· map ↗
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Cluain Tsalach
· “The E gable, c. 5m at the highest N section is lit by a central deeply splayed window built of small horizontally laid stones; the head and most of the rear-arch are missing.”
· SMR DG016-004002- ↗
· map ↗
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Cooly
· “To the W outside the entrance to the graveyard is a tall, plain, ringed high-cross.”
· SMR DG021-008005- ↗
· map ↗
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Ionascail
· “Located within a graveyard which encloses two medieval churches, St Mary’s and St. Connell’s, a fragment of a high cross, four cross slabs and a graveslab.”
· SMR DG064-003008- ↗
· map ↗
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Ráith
· “This high cross is a National Monument in state ownership (No. 23).”
· SMR DG025-029001- ↗
· map ↗
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Toraigh
· “Literary references to Tory appear to begin in the 7th century and continue throughout the early and later medieval period indicating its ecclesiastical nature.”
· SMR DG006-002007- ↗
· map ↗
County Down · 2 in the Northern Ireland record (count only)
Northern Ireland keeps its own record. Its open data is counted here but not listed; search it on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division), OpenDataNI ↗.
County Dublin · 4 high crosses · 6 present-location
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Townland not given
· “Since 1806 a high cross has stood inside the entrance to the graveyard on a square plinth with roll moulding.”
· SMR DU014-066010- ↗
· map ↗
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Townland not given
· present location
· “This is the present location for the shaft of the high cross the base of which stands in the graveyard at Drumcliff, Co. Sligo.”
· SMR DU018-181---- ↗
· map ↗
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Townland not given
· present location
· “Fragment of a possible high cross that originally came from Clonmacnoise (see OF005-064----) and is now housed in the National Museum of Ireland.”
· SMR DU018-190---- ↗
· map ↗
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Townland not given
· present location
· “There is a cross fragment cemented into the S end of the W wall of the graveyard at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly and this piece appears to have come from the shaft of a high cross: it has interlace decoration on its visible …”
· SMR DU018-191---- ↗
· map ↗
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Townland not given
· present location
· “This is the present location of the high cross from Kylebeg or Banagher, Co. Offaly.”
· SMR DU018-205---- ↗
· map ↗
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Townland not given
· present location
· “The holy well at Ogulla, Co. Roscommon is overlooked by a large tree where the head of a high cross, now in NMI, was kept.”
· SMR DU018-210---- ↗
· map ↗
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Townland not given
· present location
· “This damaged head of a sandstone high cross (H 0.63m; original Wth c. 0.45m) is almost certainly that described by Wilde (1857, 1, 141-2) as having been dug up 'in making a grave in the old churchyard of Donaughmore, …”
· SMR DU018-415---- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilgobbin
· “An incomplete ringed granite high-cross stands on the roadside 30m NW of Kilgobbin church and graveyard.”
· SMR DU025-016011- ↗
· map ↗
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Laughanstown
· “This road-side high cross stands c. 110m NW of Tully church.”
· SMR DU026-023003- ↗
· map ↗
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Laughanstown
· “The high cross stands c.85m W of Tully Church in a field.”
· SMR DU026-023004- ↗
· map ↗
County Fermanagh · none found in the Northern Ireland record
Northern Ireland keeps its own record. Its open data is counted here but not listed; search it on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division), OpenDataNI ↗.
County Galway · 12 high crosses · 4 present-location
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Carrowntomush
· “It consists of the unfinished head of a granite cross (Wth 1.2m, H 1.4m) some 0.25m in thickness.”
· SMR GA016-013006- ↗
· map ↗
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Carrowntomush
· present location
· “Although marked on OS 6-inch maps 65m WNW of a church and graveyard, this high cross has been fixed on the wall at the SW corner of the graveyard (pers. comm.”
· SMR GA016-013008- ↗
· map ↗
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Cill Éinne
· present location
· “This fragment of a high cross was found immediately outside the E gable of Teaghlach Éinne during the course of an archaeological excavation in 1985.”
· SMR GA111-029002- ↗
· map ↗
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Cill Éinne
· “Two portions of a limestone cross are cemented together on a modern plinth.”
· SMR GA119-006004- ↗
· map ↗
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Cill Éinne
· “Three fragments of a limestone cross shaft (Wth 0.43m, T 0.23m, H 1.39m) cemented together against W gable.”
· SMR GA119-020011- ↗
· map ↗
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Cill Éinne
· “Found during an archaeological excavation in 1985 immediately outside E gable of Teaghlach Éinne.”
· SMR GA119-020012- ↗
· map ↗
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Corralea West,Glebe (Clare By.),Townparks (1st Division - Tuam),Townparks (2nd Division - Tuam),Townparks (3rd Division - Tuam),Townparks (4th Division - Tuam),Townparks (5th Division - Tuam),Vicarschoral Land
· no description uploaded yet
· SMR GA029-199001- ↗
· no position on record
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Corralea West,Glebe (Clare By.),Townparks (1st Division - Tuam),Townparks (2nd Division - Tuam),Townparks (3rd Division - Tuam),Townparks (4th Division - Tuam),Townparks (5th Division - Tuam),Vicarschoral Land
· no description uploaded yet
· SMR GA029-199002- ↗
· no position on record
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Eoghanacht
· “Known as the South Cross, it survives as eight fragments cemented together in a horizontal position on a modern cement plinth.”
· SMR GA110-023008- ↗
· map ↗
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Eoghanacht
· “Known as the West Cross, only the shaft and four fragments of the cross head survive.”
· SMR GA110-023010- ↗
· map ↗
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Eoghanacht
· “Known as the North Cross, what survives are ten fragments of a ringed and cusped limestone cross (Wth 0.45-0.8m, T 0.1-0.2m) that originally stood c. 4.2m in height.”
· SMR GA110-023011- ↗
· map ↗
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Townparks (2nd Division - Tuam)
· “It consists of the shaft of a 12th-C sandstone cross (H 1.45m, L 0.45m, Wth 0.25m), the edges of which are defined by rolled and cavetto mouldings.”
· SMR GA029-179004- ↗
· map ↗
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Townparks (2nd Division - Tuam)
· no description uploaded yet
· SMR GA029-179005- ↗
· map ↗
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Townparks (2nd Division - Tuam)
· present location
· “Known as 'The Market Cross', as presently constituted it comprises fragments of two separate sandstone crosses of mid-12th-C date: (a) the base and shaft, and (b) the head (see GA029-179007-).”
· SMR GA029-179006- ↗
· map ↗
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Townparks (2nd Division - Tuam)
· present location
· “Now forms part of 'The Market Cross', Tuam.”
· SMR GA029-179007- ↗
· map ↗
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Townparks (3rd Division - Tuam)
· “Discovered in 1926, during the construction of a bank (now AIB) at the junction of Vicar St. and Dublin Rd.”
· SMR GA029-184002- ↗
· map ↗
County Kerry · 5 high crosses · 1 present-location
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Cill Maoilchéadair
· “The Reenconnell ridge peaks at 907 feet/276m to NE of the site and the area around Kilmalkedar is sheltered on its N and S sides by spurs of this hill. (6) Stone cross Plate 31: Located on the S side of the pathway …”
· SMR KE042-026006- ↗
· map ↗
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Illauntannig
· “The Early Christian settlement KE019-002001- is enclosed by a strong cashel wall and is comprised of 2 small oratories, 3 bee-hive huts, a souterrain and wall-chamber, 3 leachts, a burial ground and a stone cross.”
· SMR KE019-002007- ↗
· map ↗
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Killiney
· “Stone Cross: A large sandstone cross, with hollowed angles, dressed to a smooth finish on all sides.”
· SMR KE036-003004- ↗
· map ↗
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Rinn Chonaill
· “Calluragh burial ground/An Cheallúnach: KE043-013001- is located on a very gentle S facing slope at the head of the broad valley that extends N from Dingle Harbour.”
· SMR KE043-013003- ↗
· map ↗
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Tonaknock
· “To the W of this site, across a road, lies the stone cross of Tonaknock.”
· SMR KE015-108002- ↗
· map ↗
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Tonaknock
· present location
· “To the W of this site, across a road, lies the stone cross of Tonaknock.”
· SMR KE015-108004- ↗
· map ↗
County Kildare · 15 high crosses
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Ballymore Eustace East (Ballymore Eustace Ed)
· “The cross stands in a graveyard to the N of a 19th-century church.”
· SMR KD029-011006- ↗
· map ↗
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Ballymore Eustace East (Ballymore Eustace Ed)
· “Bradley (et. al. 1986, vol. 1, 79) described the South Cross standing in Ballymore Eustace graveyard, to the SE of St. John's C. of I. church as consisting of an unpierced ringed cross carved from a single block of …”
· SMR KD029-011007- ↗
· map ↗
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Castledermot
· “North Cross: A tenth century granite ringed cross with a damaged two-stepped pyramidal base.”
· SMR KD040-002004- ↗
· map ↗
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Castledermot
· “South cross: A tenth century granite ringed cross with a pyramidal base.”
· SMR KD040-002010- ↗
· map ↗
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Castledermot
· “West Cross: A two-tiered granite base with a mortice, set into a plinth near the Romanesque doorway (dims. H. 88cm; base 75cm x 53cm; top 37cm x 30cm; mortice 0.19m x 0.17m; D. 0.27m).”
· SMR KD040-002011- ↗
· map ↗
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Kildare
· “According to Bradley et al. (1986 Vol 3, 224-5), a damaged undecorated, ringed, granite cross-head, the upper portion of which is missing, is carried on a tall, plain, gently tapering granite shaft (H 3m; Wth 0.56m; T …”
· SMR KD022-029021- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilteel Upper
· “Fragments of a 12th century sandstone cross consist of the head with only one arm surviving (dims. H 0.95m, est. original Wth of arms c. 1.28m; T 0.38m) and the base (dims. L 1.05m; Wth 0.74m; H 0.47m).”
· SMR KD020-007005- ↗
· map ↗
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Moone
· “The South Cross is a slender granite ringed cross, with alternating panels of blank and figurative biblical scenes on the shaft and ring. It was situated to the S of the church but has been moved to a specially …”
· SMR KD036-031002- ↗
· map ↗
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Moone
· “The West Cross lies to the south of the church.”
· SMR KD036-031003- ↗
· map ↗
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Moone
· “The 'north' cross in the wooded field to the N of the church.”
· SMR KD036-031004- ↗
· map ↗
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Moone
· “The 'East' cross in a graveyard, NE of the church.”
· SMR KD036-031005- ↗
· map ↗
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Moone
· “Fragments of a large ringed cross with part of the shaft, decorated with panels of animal and figure sculpture. (Parts of a ringed cross have been built into the nave of the church; it has traces of figurative …”
· SMR KD036-031006- ↗
· map ↗
-
Oldkilcullen
· “According to Bradley et al. 1986 vol. 4, 393-4), the North Cross, of granite, comprises a square shaft (H. 1.6m; L 0.4m; Wth 0.4m) set into an almost square base (H. 0.35m; L 0.9m; Wth 0.8m).”
· SMR KD028-049002- ↗
· map ↗
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Oldkilcullen
· “According to Bradley et al. (1986 vol. 4, 394), the East Cross, of granite, comprises a tall rectangular shaft (H. 3m; L 0.5m; Wth 0.4m) with undecorated panels outlined by low rounded mouldings, set in a pyramidal base …”
· SMR KD028-049003- ↗
· map ↗
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Oldkilcullen
· “According to Bradley et al. (1986 vol. 4, 394-5), the West Cross, of granite, comprises an almost square shaft (H. 0.5m; L 0.4m; Wth 0.35m) and rectangular base (H. 0.4m; L 0.5m; Wth 0.4m).”
· SMR KD028-049004- ↗
· map ↗
County Kilkenny · 11 high crosses · 3 present-location
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Aughkiletaun
· “According to Grattan Bellew (ibid.) the, 'base of the granite church [this should read cross] can be seen behind the eastern gable which is all that now remains of the ancient church.”
· SMR KK025-035003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ballyogan
· “Killanin and Duignan (1967, 302) describe the church in Ballyogan as, ‘Páirc an Teampaill, alias the Chapel Field, site in turn of an early monastery (High Cross now at Graiguenamanagh) and a manorial church’, giving …”
· SMR KK029-038002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Castletown (Iverk By)
· “Associated with the early medieval monastery of Kilkieran, and within Kilkieran graveyard there is a tall slender high cross (H 3.2m; base of shaft Wth 0.28m, T 0.25m; arms Wth 0.43m), which stands E of the church and …”
· SMR KK034-032003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Castletown (Iverk By)
· “Associated with the early medieval monastery of Kilkieran, and within Kilkieran graveyard, standing SW of the tallest of the high crosses.”
· SMR KK034-032004- ↗
· map ↗
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Castletown (Iverk By)
· “A sandstone high cross (H 2.45m; base of shaft Wth 0.45m, T 0.42m; arms Wth 1.08m), described by both Harbison (1992, 117) and Roe (1976, 35-7) as the West Cross.”
· SMR KK034-032005- ↗
· map ↗
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Castletown (Iverk By)
· “Associated with the early medieval monastery of Kilkieran, and within the graveyard of Kilkiernan church stands the tapering shaft (H 1.43m; Wth at base 0.34m; Wth at top 25m; T at base 0.19m; T at top 0.18m) of a …”
· SMR KK034-032006- ↗
· map ↗
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Graiguenamanagh
· present location
· “The S cross is associated with the medieval church in Aughkiletaun townland.”
· SMR KK029-018002- ↗
· map ↗
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Graiguenamanagh
· present location
· “According to Killanin and Duignan (1967, 302), this, 'North Cross is from an early monastic site in Ballyogan.”
· SMR KK029-018012- ↗
· map ↗
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Killamery
· “The high cross is on a hillock where there are a number of 18th and 19th century headstones.”
· SMR KK030-008004- ↗
· map ↗
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Kilree (Kells By.)
· “The cross is within a small enclosure with a metal fence which rests on a stone platform which surrounds the stone.”
· SMR KK027-044004- ↗
· map ↗
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Leggetsrath East
· “In the very centre of the enclosing ring, is an ancient pillar-stone of granite, standing to a height of 3½ ft. [c. 1m] over the ground, and about 17 in. [0.44m] wide and 12 in. [0.31m] thick; it is rough below, but …”
· SMR KK019-030003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Leggetsrath West
· present location
· “No. 173); vol. 2 fig. 471) as, 'the fragment of a head from a possible high cross that was stored in the National Museum of Ireland and which he described from a photograph taken by the Museum as a thin cross fragment …”
· SMR KK019-026387- ↗
· map ↗
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Thomastown
· no description uploaded yet
· SMR KK028-040002- ↗
· map ↗
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Ullard
· “In the graveyard of Ullard 12th-century church and graveyard, located immediately SE of a handball alley which was built onto the E end of the church.”
· SMR KK025-038002- ↗
· map ↗
County Laois · 2 high crosses
-
Sleaty
· “A plain granite cross, (H. c. 1.45m, W. of arms c. 0.73m, W. of shaft 0.36m, T. c. 0.26m).”
· SMR LA032-018003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Sleaty
· “A small granite ringed cross with incised double lined ring on face of cross located in S quadrant of graveyard and to S of S wall of church.”
· SMR LA032-018007- ↗
· map ↗
County Leitrim · 3 high crosses · 1 present-location
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Cloone (Mohill By.)
· “Part of a cross-shaft came to light in a graveyard clean-up during 1990 together with two face corbels, and they are now incorporated in the reconstructed wall of the graveyard beside the entrance at S.”
· SMR LE033-006005- ↗
· map ↗
-
Cloone (Mohill By.)
· “The base of a high cross, probably from the same cross as the fragments is within the graveyard attached to the site of the early Church.”
· SMR LE033-006009- ↗
· map ↗
-
Cloone (Mohill By.)
· present location
· “The transom or cross-arm of the high cross of Cloone was at the head of a grave in the graveyard attached to the site of the early monastery, but it was moved to the small graveyard of St. Mary’s when that graveyard was …”
· SMR LE033-008003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Duncarbry
· “A plain upright Latin cross (dims of base 0.6m x 0.3m; H 3.21m) with slightly expanded arms is set in a chamfered sandstone base (dims 1.4m x 1.04m; H 0.87m).”
· SMR LE001-031001- ↗
· map ↗
County Limerick · no high crosses on the record
County Derry / Londonderry · 1 in the Northern Ireland record (count only)
Northern Ireland keeps its own record. Its open data is counted here but not listed; search it on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division), OpenDataNI ↗.
County Longford · 1 high cross · 1 present-location
-
Abbeyshrule
· “Originally located in the burial ground c. 30m to the NE of the Cistercian abbey, this high cross has been moved to the sacristy of the RC church in the village of Abbeyshrule for safe-keeping (see LF023-129----).”
· SMR LF023-113006- ↗
· map ↗
-
Drumanure
· present location
· “Now in the sacristy of the R.C. church in the village of Abbeyshrule, this high cross was originally located in the burial ground c. 70m to the NE of the Cistercian abbey.”
· SMR LF023-129---- ↗
· map ↗
County Louth · 9 high crosses · 1 present-location
-
Dromiskin
· “Part of the head of a high cross erected on a modern shaft and base, is situated in the graveyard to the E of the round tower.”
· SMR LH012-046004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Faughart Upper
· “It consists of a squarish granite block with a flat top in which there is a socket for tenon, most probably for a high cross.”
· SMR LH004-097006- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monasterboice
· “The Crosses at Monasterboice have been described in some detail by Roe (1981) and Harbison (1992) with full references.”
· SMR LH021-062007- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monasterboice
· “The Crosses at Monasterboice have been described in some detail by Roe (1981) and Harbison (1992) with full references.”
· SMR LH021-062008- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monasterboice
· “The Crosses at Monasterboice have been described in some detail by Roe (1981) and Harbison (1992) with full references.”
· SMR LH021-062009- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monasterboice
· “A cross shaft (H 1.75m; Wth 0.48m; T 0.34m) is beside the N cross.”
· SMR LH021-062019- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monasterboice
· “Head-fragment now in NMI.”
· SMR LH021-062020- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monasterboice
· “Shaft fragment now in NMI.”
· SMR LH021-062021- ↗
· map ↗
-
Termonfeckin
· “Composed of sandstone with ringed head, house-shaped shrine on head, decorated shaft and undecorated semi-spherical base.”
· SMR LH022-041003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Townparks (Upper Dundalk By.)
· present location
· “A fragment of what appears to have been a high cross was recovered during the restoration of a small portion of the graveyard wall at Faughart c. 1997.”
· SMR LH007-190---- ↗
· map ↗
County Mayo · 2 high crosses
County Meath · 26 high crosses · 5 present-location
-
Balsitric
· “The circular head of a cross (H 0.42m; Wth 0.22m) with a solid ring (diam. 0.28m; T 7.5cm) and a crucifixion on one side, which had been found in ploughing in a field adjoin a field known as ‘the Church field’ was …”
· SMR ME006-033001- ↗
· map ↗
-
Castlekeeran
· “Three sandstone high crosses that are rather plain apart from roll mouldings, the base of another, a cross-slab and an ogham stone are displayed in the graveyard of the early monastery of Diseart Chiaran.”
· SMR ME016-006001- ↗
· map ↗
-
Castlekeeran
· “Three sandstone high crosses that are rather plain apart from roll mouldings, the base of another, a cross-slab and an ogham stone are displayed in the graveyard of the early monastery of Diseart Chiaran.”
· SMR ME016-006002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Castlekeeran
· “Three sandstone high crosses that are rather plain apart from roll mouldings, the base of another, a cross-slab and an ogham stone are displayed in the graveyard of the early monastery of Diseart Chiaran.”
· SMR ME016-006003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Castlekeeran
· “The base of a high cross is within the graveyard at the site of the early monastery of Diseart Chiarin.”
· SMR ME016-006004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Colp West
· “A fragment of a tenth-century cross with solid ring and interlace decoration was discovered in the graveyard of St Columba's church.”
· SMR ME021-012005- ↗
· map ↗
-
Commons (Duleek Lower By.)
· “The N cross is north of St. Kienan’s Church of Ireland church, now converted to a restaurant, and the top of its base (dims 0.5m x 0.45m) is visible.”
· SMR ME027-038004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Commons (Duleek Lower By.)
· “The S cross is now in the S aisle of the parish church.”
· SMR ME027-038005- ↗
· map ↗
-
Donaghmore (Navan Lower By.)
· “The damaged head of a sandstone high cross (H 0.63m; original Wth c. 0.45m), now in the National Museum of Ireland, is almost certainly that described by Wilde (1857, 1, 141-2) as being from Donaghmore.”
· SMR ME025-015004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Dulane
· “The sandstone base (basal dims 0.7m x 0.68m; H 0.67m) of a high cross with a roll moulding on the angles is in the graveyard N of the church, but a fragment of a high cross that may have belonged to it and was in the …”
· SMR ME011-037005- ↗
· map ↗
-
Fennor (Duleek Lower By.)
· “A cross-base (dims of top 0.58m x 0.51m) with a raised rim around the socket (dims 0.38m x 0.23m; D 0.23m) is almost completely buried c. 10m S of the E end of Fennor church within the rectangular graveyard.”
· SMR ME019-035002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Girley
· “The head of a high cross was formerly built into the roadside wall in the NE corner of the graveyard at Girley.”
· SMR ME023-022---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Julianstown West
· present location
· “The head of a 10th century sandstone high cross (H 0.64m; Wth 0.62m; T 0.20m) was excavated from the graveyard of the Church of Ireland church at Colp by K.”
· SMR ME028-001003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Killary
· “The base (dims 0.72m; x 0.6m; H 0.4m) with edge mouldings and a fragment from the centre of a high cross are at the N corner of the graveyard of Killary church.”
· SMR ME012-020002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Killary
· “The decorated shaft of a high cross (dims 0.4m x 0.26m; H 1.3m) and its subcircular base (diam. 1.3m) are NW of Killary church.”
· SMR ME012-020003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Killary
· “There is a small pyramidal cross-base (dims 0.6m x 0.6m; H 0.5m) of sandstone with edge mouldings on the top within Killary church.”
· SMR ME012-020004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Knock
· “The head of a small stone cross (H 0.65m; Wth 0.48) with a solid ring and interlace decoration is protruding from the ground at the NE angle of the graveyard.”
· SMR ME012-033002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Newtown (Navan Upper By.)
· present location
· “Harbison (1997, 171-6) identified a fragment of a High cross built into the stonework of St Patrick's church on the Hill of Slane, and it was moved to the OPW depot at Newtown Trim in 1994.”
· SMR ME036-076---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Newtown (Navan Upper By.)
· present location
· “The head of a high cross was formerly built into the roadside wall in the NE corner of the graveyard at Girley but was removed between the 1960s and 1984.”
· SMR ME036-079---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Nobber
· “This cross-base has been described by King (2005, 21) as follows: ‘This truncated cone-shaped base has not been previously published, although it was mentioned by Helen Roe in The high crosses of Kells.”
· SMR ME005-071002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Nobber
· “This cross has been described by King (2005, 22) as follows: ‘This small, sandstone, solid-ringed cross stands close to the entrance gate at the east end of the graveyard.”
· SMR ME005-071007- ↗
· map ↗
-
Nobber
· “This cross has been described by King (2005, 22-3) as follows: ‘The second early medieval cross is located upside down in the centre of the graveyard.”
· SMR ME005-071008- ↗
· map ↗
-
Slane
· present location
· “The fragment of a high cross (Wth 0.6m; H 0.56m; T 0.24m) that came to light in Fennor graveyard in 1991 is now displayed at the W end of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church in Slane.”
· SMR ME019-025001- ↗
· map ↗
-
Slanecastle Demesne
· “A fragment of a high cross (dims 0.26m x 0.13m; L 0.27m) that was in the outer face of the W wall of the S aisle has now been moved to the OPW depot in Trim for safe-keeping.”
· SMR ME019-060007- ↗
· map ↗
-
Slanecastle Demesne
· “Harbison (1997, 171-6) identified a fragment of a high cross built into the stonework of the church and subsequently removed to OPW headquarters in 1994.”
· SMR ME019-111---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Town Parks (Kells Upper By.)
· “The cross known as the Market Cross was situated at the junction of Market St. and Castle St., on the perimeter of the ecclesiastical enclosure defining the monastic site of Ceanannus.”
· SMR ME017-044001- ↗
· map ↗
-
Town Parks (Kells Upper By.)
· “The south cross is also known as the cross of Saints Patrick and Columba because of the inscription on its base.”
· SMR ME017-044014- ↗
· map ↗
-
Town Parks (Kells Upper By.)
· “The west cross is also known as the broken cross.”
· SMR ME017-044015- ↗
· map ↗
-
Town Parks (Kells Upper By.)
· “The north cross is now just W of the church tower.”
· SMR ME017-044016- ↗
· map ↗
-
Town Parks (Kells Upper By.)
· “The east cross is also known as the unfinished cross.”
· SMR ME017-044017- ↗
· map ↗
-
Town Parks (Kells Upper By.)
· present location
· “The cross known as the Market Cross was situated at the junction of Market St. and Castle St., on the perimeter of the ecclesiastical enclosure defining the monastic site of Ceanannus.”
· SMR ME017-044043- ↗
· map ↗
County Monaghan · 2 high crosses
-
Crossmoyle
· “The two sides are decorated with geometric designs and bosses. This is a National Monument in state ownership: No. 112 See the attached views _1 from SE; _2 from NW; _3 Christ in Glory on the S face; _4 Daniel in the …”
· SMR MO011-010005- ↗
· map ↗
-
Selloo
· “Portion of the decorated shaft of sandstone high cross (H 0.2m; Wth 0.18m; T 0.1m) was discovered in a drain across the children’s burial ground at the early church site in 1983.”
· SMR MO008-011003- ↗
· map ↗
County Offaly · 15 high crosses · 2 present-location
-
Castletown and Glinsk
· present location
· “Poorly preserved 10th-century cross with a ringed head the ring of which is now destroyed.”
· SMR OF036-044004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Churchland
· “Founded by St. Kieran the elder in the fifth century.”
· SMR OF039-003002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Churchland
· “Monastery founded by St. Kieran the elder in the fifth century.”
· SMR OF039-003010- ↗
· map ↗
-
Churchland
· “Monastery founded by St. Kieran the elder in the fifth century.”
· SMR OF039-003012- ↗
· map ↗
-
Clonmacnoise
· “Known as the South Cross which is located to the W of Temple Doolin of possible ninth century date with main emphasis on abstract decoration with some scriptural iconography such as the Crucifixion on the W face.”
· SMR OF005-016---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Clonmacnoise
· “Depicted on the first edition of the OS 6-inch map as the 'Cross of the Scriptures' located to the W of the Cathedral.”
· SMR OF005-017---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Clonmacnoise
· “Not marked on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps, located to the N of the Cathedral as a result known as the North Cross.”
· SMR OF005-018---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Clonmacnoise
· “Shaft of high cross which was found in the wall of St. Ciarans church in 1955.”
· SMR OF005-019---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Clonmacnoise
· “Portion of a high cross described by Hicks as the West shaft.”
· SMR OF005-021---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Clonmacnoise
· “Fragment of a possible high cross that originally came from Clonmacnoise but is now housed in the National Museum of Ireland.”
· SMR OF005-064---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Durrow Demesne
· “A sixth century monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14).”
· SMR OF009-005006- ↗
· map ↗
-
Durrow Demesne
· “Until recently the Durrow high cross stood in the W quadrant of Durrow graveyard a short distance to the W of the W gable of the C of I church as depicted on all editions of the OS six-inch maps.”
· SMR OF009-005010- ↗
· map ↗
-
Knockbarron
· “The circular shaped base (Wth 0.9m; H 0.5m) of the high cross which may have been an earlier millstone and is located in the W quadrant of the graveyard a few metres to W of the W gable of Drumcullen church.”
· SMR OF036-028003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Kylebeg or Banagher
· “Late medieval rectangular church located on top of high ground in centre of graveyard enclosed by 19th-century wall.”
· SMR OF021-003004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Lismoney
· “Poorly preserved 9th-century cross with a ringed head the ring of which is now destroyed.”
· SMR OF036-040004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Loughaun
· “Tihilly High Cross located to the SE of the medieval church this high cross is in poor condition with only half of its ringed head surviving along with its circular base which is also partially destroyed.”
· SMR OF008-045005- ↗
· map ↗
-
Rathmount
· present location
· “Head of high cross originally located in W quadrant of Drumcullen graveyard.”
· SMR OF031-072---- ↗
· map ↗
County Roscommon · 8 high crosses
-
Cloonshanville
· “A latin cross composed of a single piece of sandstone (visible H 3.2m; breadth of arms 0.7m; T 0.2m; Wth of shaft 0.42-0.49m) with a boss at the junction of the arms on the E and W faces widens out at the base (Wth of …”
· SMR RO015-029---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Emlagh (Castlereagh By., Castlereagh Ed)
· “Limestone cross-fragments (dims 0.35m x 0.24m; H 0.93m) with interlace in relief on the E face and incised on the other sides. This is a National Monument in state guardianship: No. 397.”
· SMR RO027-034006- ↗
· map ↗
-
Emlagh (Castlereagh By., Castlereagh Ed)
· “Cross-fragment (dims 0.35m x 0.25m; H 0.8m) with a poor interlace.”
· SMR RO027-034007- ↗
· map ↗
-
Emlagh (Castlereagh By., Castlereagh Ed)
· “Granite cross-fragment (dims 0.35m x 0.2m; H 0.95m).”
· SMR RO027-034008- ↗
· map ↗
-
Emlagh (Castlereagh By., Castlereagh Ed)
· “Limestone cross-fragment (dims 0.32m x 0.17m; H 0.45m) expanding slightly at top.”
· SMR RO027-034009- ↗
· map ↗
-
Emlagh (Castlereagh By., Castlereagh Ed)
· “Set into a plinth beneath cross fragment on the crest of a low NW-SE drumlin ridge at Emlagh church site.”
· SMR RO027-034010- ↗
· map ↗
-
Emlagh (Castlereagh By., Castlereagh Ed)
· “Situated on a plinth on the crest of a low NW-SE drumlin ridge at Emlagh church site, and cemented onto the cross-shaft.”
· SMR RO027-034011- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ogulla
· “The holy well of Ogulla is overlooked by a large tree where the head of a high cross, now in NMI but replaced by a replica, is kept.”
· SMR RO022-106005- ↗
· map ↗
County Sligo · 5 high crosses
-
Drumcliff South
· “Located on the N edge of Drumcliff graveyard, incorporated into the 19th-century mortared stone wall which encloses the graveyard.”
· SMR SL008-084004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Drumcliff South
· “This record refers to two separate components of a high cross, first recorded and illustrated by Wood-Martin (1882, 305-306): a broken cross shaft (see DU018-181----) now in the National Museum of Ireland and the base …”
· SMR SL008-084008- ↗
· map ↗
-
Drumcliff South
· “The exposed face (L 1m; T 0.30m) is decorated with a series of interlace designs similar to those on the high cross in the graveyard.”
· SMR SL008-084015- ↗
· map ↗
-
Drumcolumb
· “Described by Crawford (1918, 177) as the 'head of a plain cross with solid recessed ring… broken in two places'”
· SMR SL027-141003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Templehouse Demesne
· “Lying on the ground on the line of the missing W wall of Templehouse hall-house is a stone cross-base.”
· SMR SL033-026005- ↗
· map ↗
County Tipperary · 16 high crosses · 2 present-location
-
Ahenny
· “A high cross, of sandstone, is centrally placed within a square graveyard defined by a stone wall.”
· SMR TS079-007002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ahenny
· “A high cross, of sandstone, is centrally placed within a square graveyard defined by a stone wall.”
· SMR TS079-007003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ahenny
· “A cross base is centrally placed within a square graveyard defined by a stone wall.”
· SMR TS079-007004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ardane
· “In the S sector of an ecclesiastical enclosure known as St. Berrihert's Kyle and incorporated in an oval stone enclosure, stepped internally, built by the OPW in 1946 (Ó hÉailidhe 1967, 102).”
· SMR TS074-010002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ballynilard
· “An imperforate-ringed red-sandstone conlgomerate cross (H c. 1.65; T 0.26m) orienated E-W with arms protruding 15cm beyond the ring (diam. 0.4m) of the cross.”
· SMR TS066-068002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Emly
· “This is traditionally known as St. Ailbe's cross.”
· SMR TS065-013004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Kilriffet
· “Earthfast stone (dims. 1.17m x 1.12m x 0.33m) which may be natural rock outcrop that appears to have been used as a base for a high cross with long rectangular mortise or slot (L 0.84m x 0.13m x 0.12m) cut into surface …”
· SMR TN027-170001- ↗
· map ↗
-
Lorrha
· “The remains of two high crosses are situated in the graveyard of the nearby parish church.”
· SMR TN004-010009- ↗
· map ↗
-
Lorrha
· “The remains of two high crosses are situated in the graveyard of the nearby parish church.”
· SMR TN004-010010- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monaincha
· “The sandstone base (dims. 0.86m x 0.69m; H 0.43m) is decorated with a sequence of horses on its S face.”
· SMR TN018-001003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Monaincha
· “Described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 139) as following ; 'the fragment of a head from a possible high cross that was stored in the National Museum of Ireland and which he described from a photograph taken by the Museum …”
· SMR TN018-001010- ↗
· map ↗
-
Slevoir
· “Situated in the graveyard of St. Mary's RC church there is a possible conglomerate granite base (H 0.6m; dims. 1.25m x 0.7m) of what is locally believed to be from a high cross which originally was located in the …”
· SMR TN006-003010- ↗
· map ↗
-
St. Patricksrock
· “Traditionally referred to as 'St Patrick's Cross'”
· SMR TS061-025006- ↗
· map ↗
-
St. Patricksrock
· “Portion of a high cross base was uncovered by the OPW in 1991 during the removal of an 18th-century wall linking the NE angle of Cormac's chapel and the chancel of the Cathedral.”
· SMR TS061-025062- ↗
· map ↗
-
Townparks (Roscrea Par.)
· present location
· “High Cross replica now stands in the grounds of St Cronán's C of I graveyard in Roscrea town with the Romanesque church and round tower to the S and W respectively.”
· SMR TN012-010006- ↗
· map ↗
-
Townparks (Roscrea Par.)
· present location
· “The pillar has rounded moulded corners - its E face is decorated with fanciful animals and the S face has a possible hunting scene along with geometric and interlace patterns.”
· SMR TN012-010011- ↗
· map ↗
-
Townparks (Roscrea Par.)
· “High Cross replica now stands in the grounds of St Cronán's C of I graveyard in Roscrea town with the Romanesque church and round tower to the S and W respectively.”
· SMR TN012-010018- ↗
· map ↗
-
Unknown
· “The pillar has rounded moulded corners - its E face is decorated with fanciful animals and the S face has a possible hunting scene along with geometric and interlace patterns.”
· SMR TN000-001---- ↗
· no position on record
County Tyrone · 1 in the Northern Ireland record (count only)
Northern Ireland keeps its own record. Its open data is counted here but not listed; search it on the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division), OpenDataNI ↗.
County Waterford · 1 high cross
-
Ballynaguilkee Lower
· “The base of a stone cross (dims. c. 0.35m x 0.25m; H c. 0.23m) with interlace and fret patterns and part of the shaft, which were recorded at the church site by Du Noyer, are now missing Harbison, P. (1992a) The high …”
· SMR WA013-023002- ↗
· map ↗
County Westmeath · 5 high crosses · 1 present-location
-
Dysart (Moyashel & Magheradernon By.)
· “An early Christian monastery or hermitage (dísirt) was founded here in the late 8th or early 9th century by Maol Tuile who died before the year 830.”
· SMR WM025-110005- ↗
· map ↗
-
Fore
· “Large undecorated pierced ringed cross (dims. H 1.18m; Wth 0.98m; T 0.22m) set on a concrete shaft E of St. Feichin's church.”
· SMR WM004-035022- ↗
· map ↗
-
Kilmacnevan
· “Possible base and ringed head of a high cross standing in S quadrant of graveyard which contains the ruins of Kilmacnevan Church both of which are enclosed by an Early Christian ecclesiastical enclosure.”
· SMR WM011-115003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Rattin
· “Described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 47) as following; 'There are the remains of two crosses on the site of the old monastery of Clonfad.”
· SMR WM027-066002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Rattin
· “Described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 47) as following: 'There are the remains of two crosses on the site of the old monastery of Clonfad.”
· SMR WM027-066003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Twyford
· present location
· “In 1837 the Ordnance Survey recorded the following about the location of Bealin High Cross; ‘On Cross hill in the parish of Ballyloughloe there is a curiously sculptured ancient cross said to have been removed thither …”
· SMR WM029-008---- ↗
· map ↗
County Wexford · 10 high crosses · 1 present-location
-
Adamstown
· “St Abban's cross, a Latin cross in green stone (H c. 3.8m; Wth 0.58m; T 0.2m), is set in a rectangular base (dims of top 0.8m x 0.8m) buried in the ground and a decorated Romanesque fragment recorded from the graveyard …”
· SMR WX031-023002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ballinatray Lower
· “This is a shale Latin cross (H 2.25m; T 0.15m) with one broken arm (Wth 1.03m).”
· SMR WX012-006---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ferns Demesne
· present location
· “In 2019 a fragment of a granite high cross came to light in the graveyard, but its dimensions (0.32m x 23.5m; L 0.51m) indicate that it is not part of any of the other five crosses already known.”
· SMR WX015-003036- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ferns Upper
· “The heads of two granite crosses were incorporated in the NW graveyard wall and another was in the graveyard.”
· SMR WX015-003009- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ferns Upper
· “The heads of two granite crosses were incorporated in the NW graveyard wall and another was in the graveyard.”
· SMR WX015-003010- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ferns Upper
· “The heads of two granite crosses were incorporated in the NW graveyard wall and another was in the graveyard.”
· SMR WX015-003011- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ferns Upper
· “A granite cross, which might be a small high cross (H 1.1m; Wth 0.44m; T 0.3m) with an unpierced ringed head and a small mortice on top, is in the chapter house at the E end of the cathedral at Ferns.”
· SMR WX015-003012- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ferns Upper
· “In the graveyard and S of the cathedral is the base (dims. 1.4m x 1.15m) of a cross supporting the bottom of a shaft (dims. 0.57m x 0.34m; H 0.95m) decorated in fret-pattern.”
· SMR WX015-003013- ↗
· map ↗
-
Great Island
· “What is probably the smallest high cross in Ireland (H 0.55m; Wth at crux 0.31m; T 0.14m) is within the graveyard of Kilmokea church site.”
· SMR WX039-018004- ↗
· map ↗
-
Poulmarl
· “The head of a granite cross is set on one of its side-arms in what was probably its original granite base, but it is unlikely that this is the original position of the cross.”
· SMR WX041-008002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Rossminoge North
· “In the SW corner of graveyard is the ringed but unpierced and undecorated head of a large granite high cross (H 0.93m; Wth 0.84m; T c. 0.1m), but one of the arms is missing.”
· SMR WX011-002003- ↗
· map ↗
County Wicklow · 13 high crosses · 3 present-location
-
Aghowle Lower (Shillelagh By.)
· “St. Finden's [Finnian/Findian of Clonard] High Cross stands in NW quadrant of Aghowle graveyard, 12m NW of NW angle of a Romanesque church built on the site of a monastery founded by St.”
· SMR WI042-019002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Ballintober
· “A plain, unfinished and very large prostrate cross (H 5.1m; Wth of arms c. 2.2m; Wth of shaft 0.67m; T of shaft 0.6m) was carved on the flat but broke, snapping just below the head, presumably when being turned to …”
· SMR WI010-022---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Bray,Oldcourt (Rathdown By.)
· “According to Ó hÉalidhe (1988, 98) the base of the high cross at Oldcourt was found in 1780 'buried in a bank on the W side of the road from Bray to Oldcourt'.”
· SMR WI008-003001- ↗
· no position on record
-
Brockagh
· “Now situated in the Visitor Centre, this cross was moved from the location shown on the OS 6-inch map (given above).”
· SMR WI023-007---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Brockagh
· “Small portion of ringed head of cross (L 0.24m, max width 0.38m and 0.07m thick).”
· SMR WI023-028011- ↗
· map ↗
-
Brockagh
· “Described by Leask (1950, 40) as a ‘cross and base, 3 feet 8 inches [1.11m] high.”
· SMR WI023-028012- ↗
· map ↗
-
Burgage More
· present location
· “Situated at the SW end of a modern graveyard, formerly located at Burgage More church and graveyard. (1) An imperforate ringed granite cross (H c. 4.3m) with unusually long arms and a small boss in the centre of both …”
· SMR WI005-047001- ↗
· map ↗
-
Burgage More
· present location
· “Situated at the SW end of a modern graveyard, formerly located at Burgage More church and graveyard. (1) An imperforate ringed granite cross (H c. 4.3m) with unusually long arms and a small boss in the centre of both …”
· SMR WI005-047002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Burgage More
· “The original location of 'St Mark's Cross' - see WI005-047001- for its present location.”
· SMR WI005-070002- ↗
· map ↗
-
Burgage More
· “The original location of this high cross - see WI005-047002- for its present location.”
· SMR WI005-070007- ↗
· map ↗
-
Delgany
· “The remains of a granite high cross are situated to the N of the church at Delgany.”
· SMR WI013-004003- ↗
· map ↗
-
Lugduff (Ballinacor North By.)
· “Described by Harbison (1992, 96) as ‘near the south-east corner of Reefert church there is a cross of shale about 1.90 m tall and measuring 69 cm across the arms.”
· SMR WI023-028033- ↗
· map ↗
-
Oldcourt (Rathdown By.)
· present location
· “Situated on the edge of a small stream in Oldcourt Demesne; said to have been found in a nearby roadside hedge in the eighteenth century (Ó hÉalidhe 1988, 98).”
· SMR WI008-003---- ↗
· map ↗
-
Sevenchurches or Camaderry
· “Situated S of the cathedral along the E wall of the enclosure surrounding the Priest's House within the main monastic complex is a granite cross (H3.35m; Wth across arms 1.17m) which rises from its own expanded base and …”
· SMR WI023-008013- ↗
· map ↗
-
Sevenchurches or Camaderry
· “Described by Leask (1950, fig. 19g, 42) as ‘a ringed cross of granite, unpierced, with a short shaft, probably broken.”
· SMR WI023-008042- ↗
· map ↗
-
Sevenchurches or Camaderry
· “Described by Leask (1950, 45, 47) as the 'head of a granite cross (3, Fig. 20) 3 feet 3 inches [1m] wide and high is of the ring or wheel type with a solid recessed ring and small hollows at the intersection of shaft …”
· SMR WI023-009019- ↗
· map ↗
Before you go looking
- A record is a survey entry, not a promise that something is there. The Sites and Monuments Record lists sites that are known, reported or marked on old maps, including some that have been destroyed, moved, or were never found when inspected. Each record's own description says what the surveyors saw; read it before you set out.
- A present location record is where a moved object (in a church, a museum, a school, a garden) is now. The place it was found or first stood usually has a record of its own, so one object can appear twice.
- Some records have no description uploaded yet, and a few have no usable position; they are marked as such.
- Most sites are on private land. Ask before you cross a field, and leave things as you find them: monuments in the Record of Monuments and Places are protected under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 ↗.
- The Sites and Monuments Record covers the Republic only. Northern Ireland's record (the NISMR) is counted here by county from its open data, by matching the record descriptions; it is not listed site by site and its counts are not directly comparable.
- Only records the survey classes as "Cross - High cross" are here. Plainer crosses, cross-slabs and cross-inscribed stones are separate classes in the record and are not listed.
Source: National Monuments Service, Archaeological Survey of Ireland, Sites and Monuments Record, open data via data.gov.ie ↗ (CC BY 4.0); every record links to the Historic Environment Viewer ↗.
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (Department for Communities, Historic Environment Division), OpenDataNI ↗.
Quick answers
How many high crosses are there in Ireland?
The Sites and Monuments Record has 199 high cross records in the Republic, plus 35 present-location records for moved crosses; Northern Ireland's record mentions 5. Many records are a fragment: a base, a head, or part of a shaft.
Which county has the most high crosses?
On the record, Meath (26), then Tipperary (16) and Kildare (15). A monastic site with several crosses, or one cross in several pieces, can add more than one record.