This handcrafted Gold Celtic Cross is a detailed double-sided replica of the historic Duleek Cross in County Meath, connecting the design with an important early Christian settlement in Ireland.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Available in Yellow Gold and White Gold
• Available with or without a chain
• Height: 3.81 cm (1.50 inches)
• Width: 1.91 cm (0.75 inches)
• Weight: approx. 8.2 g
• Double-sided replica of the original Duleek Cross
• Handmade in Ireland
• Hallmarked in Ireland
Handcrafted in your choice of Yellow Gold or White Gold, this pendant recreates the historic Celtic Cross of Duleek on both sides. Its substantial form and detailed design make it a distinctive piece of Irish jewelry with a direct connection to Ireland’s early Christian heritage.
Solid gold is made to order, please allow three weeks for making.
History of the Duleek Cross
Duleek in County Meath was an important ecclesiastical centre during the early Christian period in Ireland. According to tradition, it was founded by St. Ciarán, also known as St. Kennean, who was baptised by St. Patrick in 472 AD.
St. Ciarán is said to have built the first recorded stone church in Ireland at Duleek. The town’s name is derived from the Irish Daimh Liag, meaning “house of stones.” The religious settlement continued to grow and flourish for more than 700 years, leaving a lasting mark on the development of the town.
Duleek grew into an important religious centre alongside places such as Armagh, Clonard and Clonmacnoise, and included hospitals, almshouses and sanctuaries.
The settlement also has a connection with one of the most significant events in medieval Irish history. Following the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, the bodies of Brian Boru and his son-in-law rested at Duleek while being transported to Armagh for burial.
An Augustinian priory was later established at Duleek by the O’Kelly family. Following the arrival of the Normans, Hugh de Lacy granted the Church of St. Ciarán to the Augustinians of Gloucestershire in 1180, although the Normans themselves had pillaged the priory only a few years earlier.
The Duleek Cross survives as a connection to this long religious history, and this double-sided gold pendant recreates its distinctive form as a wearable piece of Irish heritage.