Best Attraction in County Louth, Republic of Ireland - Map and Reviews

Monasterboice in County Louth is one of the most important early Christian monastic sites in Ireland, containing two of the finest high crosses in the world: the West Cross and Muiredach's Cross, both of the tenth century, whose exceptionally detailed biblical carving represents the peak of the Irish high cross tradition. The round tower and two ancient churches on the site complete a monastic landscape of considerable power. Muiredach's Cross, at approximately 5.5 metres high, is the finest and most completely preserved high cross in Ireland. Its limestone panels cover every face with biblical scenes of extraordinary detail, including the Last Judgment on the west face and an extensive sequence of Old and New Testament scenes, representing the supreme achievement of the Irish monastic sculpture tradition. The West Cross at 6.5 metres is the tallest high cross in Ireland. The combination of the two crosses, the round tower and the ancient cemetery setting creates one of the most important and most moving ecclesiastical heritage sites in Leinster.