Kinnitty Cross

Kinnitty Cross is a high cross and National Monument located near Kinnitty, County Offaly, Ireland.

Kinnitty Cross
Native name Ardchros Chionn Eitigh (Irish)
Type	High cross
Location	Castletown and Glinsk, Kinnitty, County Offaly, Ireland
Coordinates	53.103000°N 7.697399°W / 53.103000; -7.697399
Height	2.4 m (8 feet)
Built	6th century
Location of Kinnitty Cross in Ireland
National monument of Ireland
Official name	Kinnitty Cross
Reference no.	510[1]

Carved image of Adam and Eve

Location

Kinnitty Cross is in the grounds of Castle Bernard, built on the west bank of the River Camcor, about 1.5 km (1 mile) east of Kinnitty village.

History

Saint Finnian of Clonard (470–549) built a monastery on the site, and the high cross is associated with this monastery.

Local legend claims that the cross was erected by a St. Colman to commemorate the conversion of his father, Óengus mac Nad Froích (430–489), by Saint Patrick. The cross was covered with carvings in the 9th century by Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid (d. 862), High King of Ireland.^[2]

Description

The cross is made of sandstone (not of local origin) and stands 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) high.^[3][4] The cross is missing both the arms and top. The south panel has the Crucifixion, the north panel shows Adam and Eve and a nine-spiraled panel near the base.^[5]