Killamery High Cross, 9th-century high cross in Killamery, Ireland
Killamery High Cross is a high cross of stone in County Kilkenny that rises roughly 3.65 meters tall with carved decorations running along its shaft. The monument stands in the graveyard with multiple carved surfaces and bears an inscription at its base.
The monastery at this site was founded in the 7th century by Saint Gobhan, a follower of Saint Fursey, establishing a religious center in the region. The high cross was created later and carries an inscription commemorating a ruler from the 9th century.
The western face displays carved scenes depicting Adam and Eve, a hunting scene, and a chariot procession rendered in Celtic artistic style. These decorative narratives show how early medieval craftspeople wove religious and daily life imagery together.
The cross stands in the northern section of the Killamery graveyard and can be reached via the N76 road connecting Kilkenny and Clonmel. The location is rural, so it helps to plan your arrival and departure ahead of time.
The base of the cross bears an inscription requesting prayers for a powerful king who ruled the land during an important period in the 9th century. This personal appeal hidden within the stone reveals the human side of monumental art.
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