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

Kinnitty Cross
Native name
Irish: Ardchros Chionn Eitigh
TypeHigh cross
LocationCastletown and Glinsk, Kinnitty,
County Offaly, Ireland
Coordinates53°06′11″N 7°41′51″W / 53.103000°N 7.697399°W / 53.103000; -7.697399
Height2.4 m (8 feet)
Built6th century
Kinnitty Cross is located in Ireland
Kinnitty Cross
Location of Kinnitty Cross in Ireland
Official nameKinnitty Cross
Reference no.510[1]
Carved image of Adam and Eve

Location edit

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 edit

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.

Description edit

The cross is made of sandstone (not of local origin) and stands 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) high.[2][3]

References edit

  1. ^ "National Monuments of County Offaly in State Care" (PDF). heritageireland.ie. National Monument Service. p. 1. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  2. ^ "The Standing Stone: Castletown and Glinsk High Cross, Kinnitty, Co. Offaly". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  3. ^ "High Cross Kinnitty". Archived from the original on 23 November 2015. Retrieved 26 November 2015.