Kilkieran High Crosses facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kilkieran High Crosses |
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| Native name Irish: Ardchrosa Chill Chiaráin |
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West cross
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| Type | High crosses |
| Location | Castletown, Skough, County Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Area | Lingaun Valley |
| Built | 9th century AD |
| Official name: Kilkieran High Crosses | |
| Reference no. | 79 |
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The Kilkieran High Crosses are a special group of ancient stone crosses. They are found in County Kilkenny, Ireland. These crosses are so important that they are called a National Monument. They were built a very long time ago, in the 9th century.
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Where to Find the Kilkieran Crosses
You can find the Kilkieran High Crosses in a place that used to be a monastery. It's about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of a town called Ahenny. This area is in the beautiful Lingaun Valley.
The Story of Kilkieran's Crosses
Kilkieran was once a monastery. It was named after a saint called Ciarán of Saighir. The high crosses you see today were put up in the 800s. They are part of a group of crosses in the West Ossory area. Other famous crosses in this group include the Killamery High Cross, those at Ahenny, and Kilree.
There's a cool local story about the tall North Cross. People say it was once broken into pieces. But in the mid-1800s, a local stonemason named Paddy Laurence put it back together. He was blind, having lost his sight while working in London. It's amazing to think he rebuilt such a complex stone cross!
What Are the Kilkieran Crosses Made Of?
The crosses are made from sandstone. There are three main crosses, and you can also see pieces of a fourth one. Each cross has its own unique look.
The West Cross: Full of Carvings
The West Cross is also known as the decorated cross. It stands about 3.55 meters (11.6 feet) tall. It has a cone-shaped top, much like the crosses found in Ahenny. This cross is covered in amazing carvings. You can spot eight horsemen, flower shapes like chrysanthemums, and cool Celtic interlace patterns. There's even a crown that looks like a bishop's mitre.
The North Cross: Tall and Thin
The North Cross is often called the Tall Cross. It's about 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) high. This cross has a very unusual shape. It's tall and slender, with short arms and no ring. It stands on a round base. On its west side, you can see special hatched mouldings.
The Plain Cross: Simple Beauty
The Plain Cross, or East Cross, is about 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) tall. Unlike the others, it doesn't have many carvings. It only has mouldings and a central boss. These designs make it look like it's made of metalwork. It also has a heavy crown that looks like a mitre.
Other Interesting Finds
Near the crosses, you'll find other old items. There's a standing stone close to a wall. Nearby is St. Ciarán's holy well, which is a special spring. You can also see a bullaun stone and a holy water font. People used to believe the holy water font could help cure headaches!
