Monasterboice

About

Monasterboice was founded sometime in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe as one of the first Christian monasteries in the country. Aside from a list of the abbots who headed the community from 759 to 1122 little is known about the site other than that it fell into ruin when the Cistercian Mellifont Abbey was established nearby in 1142. A few centuries later, two churches and a round tower were built on the site, but these too fell into disuse. While the remains of these structures serve as beautiful reminders of the march of time, the real attraction is the still-in-use cemetery and its three 10th century high crosses. Chief among these is the 5.5-meter tall Muiredach's High Cross, which bears intricate engravings from both the Old and New Testaments and is widely considered the finest high cross in the country - there’s even a replica on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London!