Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice
Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice
Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice
Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice
Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice
Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice

Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice

Regular price $120.00
Sale price $120.00 Regular price
Unit price
Tax included.
In stock, ships in 2 days
Ask a question

Ask a Question

* Required fields

Size guide
Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice

Large Sterling Silver Cross of Muirdeach at Monasterboice

Product description
Shipping & Returns
Customer Reviews
FAQ
Product description

A Historic Replica of Ireland's Cross

This beautiful sterling silver Celtic Cross Pendant faithfully captures all of the detail of the original Saint Muirdeach’s cross at Monasterboice. The Cross of Muiredach at Monasterboice in Co. Louth is one of the most beautiful of the Irish High Crosses still standing. At the base of the West side can still be seen the inscription in Irish, OR DO MUIREDACH LASNDERNAD IN CHROS, which when translated reads, A prayer for Muiredach, for whom this cross was made. Most scholars think that this applied to Muiredach, son of Domhaill, an abbot of Monasterboice who died about AD922.

This Irish made cross is a heavy piece and solid piece. It is double sided so you can wear it whatever way you wish. This cross certainly has a story to tell.

  • Height 44mm
  • Width 20mm
  • Sterling silver
  • Comes with 18 inch chain
  • Comes in presentation gift box
  • Handcrafted in Ireland by our maker
  • Hallmarked at Dublin Castle

 

The History of the Celtic Cross of Monasterboice

The Cross of Muiredach at Monasterboice in Co. Louth is one of the most beautiful of the Irish High Crosses still standing. At the base of the West side can still be seen the inscription in Irish, OR DO MUIREDACH LASNDERNAD IN CHROS, which when translated reads, A prayer for Muiredach, for whom this cross was made. Most scholars think that this applied to Muiredach, son of Domhaill, an abbot of Monasterboice who died about AD922.

The main sculpture on the circular head on the west face is an elaborate Crucifixion scene while on the eastern face there is an even more interesting and elaborate Last Judgement. The face of the shaft on the west side shows incidents in the Life of our Lord, incidents from the Old Testament, stories from the lives of the Saints and symbolic figures. However, the scenes on our High crosses are not confined to biblical and religious subjects only and there are scenes on the Muiredach Cross that are open to different interpretations. The scenes on the shaft of the cross are read from the bottom up. These are said to represent Christ seized in the Garden; The Incredulity of Thomas is said to be thrusting his hand into Our Lord’s side; and Christ seated between Peter and Paul, giving the keys to the one and The Book of the Gospel to the other.

A very different interpretation has also been suggested, particularly by the late Mr. Henry Morris. This interpretation would see the panel as representing two Viking soldiers and suggests that the central figure is the Celtic Abbot whom they are seizing roughly. Above, the same two men with the Viking moustaches are shown, but now they are wearing ecclesiastical robes, while the central figure, clean shaven and with a coronal tonsure as before, has his hand raised in blessing. At the top, all three ecclesiastics are wearing Viking moustaches, and they have the Keys and the Book of Gospels. those who read the panels this way say they tell the story of the encounter of the Abbot with the Viking invaders, the latter’s eventual conversion to Christianity and indeed acceptance as monks at Monasterboice, and finally the time when one of their number became the Abbot of the monastery.

There is some historical support for this theory. One of the first permanent Viking settlements, a fortified stronghold, was made eight miles from Monasterboice at Annagassan on the Louth coast in AD 840. It is recorded that from there the Vikings plundered Clonmacnoise in the west in 841 and Armagh in the North in 850. Yet Monasterboice, a couple of hours march away, was never plundered by them. They remained at Annagassan until 925 and must have had contact with the monastery. If indeed some of their number became Christians and then Monks, then Monasterboice’s immunity from attack is explained. There is also evidence in the Cross itself that the more usual Scriptural explanation of these three panels is unsatisfactory. While one could accept that the artist might well show Roman soldiers carrying the weapons of and looking like the dreaded Viking soldiers, it seems odd to give St. Thomas a Viking moustache. Also, if this panel is showing doubting Thomas, then Thomas appears to be putting his hand into a wound on our Lord’s right side, but in the Crucifixion scene, on the circular head above, our Lord is shown receiving the wound on his left side. These are small inconsistencies that could have other explanations, but if the story of the viking converts is accepted the inconsistencies disappear altogether.

Shipping & Returns

🇺🇸 To USA: Standard shipping is US$10.95. (Arrives in 8-10 days)
.
🇨🇦 To Canada: Standard shipping is $15.95 (Arrives in 8-10 days).
🇮🇪 To Ireland: Standard Shipping is €5.95 (2-3 days).
🇬🇧 To UK: Standard Shipping is €8.95 (8-10 days)
.
To rest of Europe: Standard Shipping is €11.95 (9-12 days).
To Australia/NZ: Standard Shipping is $22.95.

Expedited 3-5 day shipping is available also at checkout.

Click here to view full shipping details.

Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 38 reviews
100%
(38)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Angela
Connemara Marble Tara Brooch

The Connemara Marble Tara Brooch is beautiful. It's exactly what I was looking. I have lots of outfits the brooch will compliment in a lovely way. Waiting for the cooler weather to arrive so I can start wearing this stunning piece of Irish jewelry.

D
Donna-Jeanne Stanwood

These Connemara Marble Bead Bracelets are absolutely gorgeous! The marble is beautiful & so is the quality, amazing gift for yourself or anyone for the price! I have one for myself & all my granddaughters. We live in Canada so I thought they would be a wonderful treasure from Ireland.

D
Donna-Jeanne Stanwood
DJ

I ordered the Connemara Marble Trinity Knot Ring for myself & I am SO pleased with it. It's even lovelier then the picture shows! My sister loves it so much I've just ordered another one for her! I definitely recommend this ring if you're thinking of treating yourself to something really nice!

M
Mary Brady
. Trinity Knot Pendant

I bought this for my cousin . Mary Brady who lives in Galway. She absolutely loves it. The quality and workmanship are amazing. A truly treasured birthday gift. A great price for such a fine piece and it arrived very quickly in a beautiful gift box. I have bought other gifts since . I definitely recommend to everyone. Quality AAA

M
Maureen McGonagle
Absolutely beautiful

This is an absolutely beautiful necklace. So glad I found it and bought it!

FAQ

Recently Viewed Products