One of Ireland’s finest High Crosses

This was originally the site of an early Christian monastery reputedly founded by St Colmcille in the 6th century AD. The name ‘Moone’ actually translates from ‘Maen Colmcille’ meaning ‘Colmcille’s property’. This cross is unique as it consists of 3 parts. The upper part and lower base were discovered in 1835 in the nearby graveyard and were re-erected by the Duke of Leinster. In 1893 the middle section was discovered and the cross was finally reconstructed to its original size standing 18 feet high. It is now the 2nd second tallest in the country and one of only 120 to survive. High Crosses were erected near entrances to monasteries or commissioned by Kings to show the close relationship they had with the church. They were never erected as grave markers. It has sculpted scenes of Daniel in the lion’s pit, the 3 children in the fiery furnace, and the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Its carvings are in a remarkable state of preservation due to the fact that they were buried for so long. It also has a new roof to protect it from the elements and acid rain erosion.