Ardboe High Cross, Monumental cross in Ardboe, Northern Ireland
The Ardboe High Cross is a monumental sandstone structure featuring twenty-two carved panels on its east and west faces depicting religious scenes. The stone shows detailed craftsmanship that reflects the skill of medieval sculptors who created these narrative compositions.
The cross dates to the tenth century, erected at a site where Saint Coleman had established a monastery in the sixth century. The monastery was destroyed by fire, but the stone cross remained as a lasting monument to that religious community.
The panels depict biblical narratives such as Adam and Eve, Daniel in the Lions' Den, and the Crucifixion, which served as a visual way for people to learn and worship religious stories. These carved images reflect how faith was shared and remembered in medieval times.
The cross is accessible year-round without any entrance fee or advance booking required. You can reach it easily by following the B73 road from Cookstown toward the village of Moortown.
Despite centuries of exposure to weather and erosion, the cross maintains its original form and carved details with remarkable resilience. It stands as the tallest high cross in Northern Ireland, making it notable among similar medieval monuments across the region.
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