ahenny cross

Two very early, possibly 8th century, High Crosses have elaborate and varied abstract patterns on the heads and shafts. the base of the larger north cross has Christ giving their mission to the Apostles, two processions and an uncertain animal scene. The south cross has the mission again, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Adam and Eve. A camera lens will note the detail far better than the eye in all but the most ideal slanted light. This is an important site in the development of Irish art. High Crosses, while by no means confined to this country, are a most distinctive feature of Irish monastic sites from the 7th century to the 12th century . They developed from rough, incised pillars, through well-sculptured crosses decorated with abstract celtic ornament, to the sculptured masterpieces such as at Monasterboice. Here at Ahenny we see the transition from abstract decoration to the preacher in stone. The breakthrough seems to have occurred in this place in the early 8th century.