Monasterboice Graveyard

Explorer Tom You think I can read every carving on Muiredach's Cross? Pull up a chair. Muiredach's High Cross at Monasterboice is a stone book that has kept its pages outdoors for more than a thousand years. Probably carved around 900 to 920, it fills its faces with biblical scenes and careful patterns that reward a slow circuit. Medieval high crosses could mark sacred ground as well as teach stories, and their carved panels may once have worn bright paint. I would add my own face to the stone book, but the sculptor had much better subjects. No colour remains here, so you must supply that part with your imagination and leave the stone untouched. Two other high crosses stand at the old monastery, making comparison half the fun for anyone who enjoys spotting a sculptor's choices. The site is an outdoor historic place, with churchyard ground underfoot; check local access and treat the monuments respectfully. Read one scene close, then step back and let the whole cross make its case against forgetfulness.

Explorer Tom You came to Monasterboice for one high cross? Louth has laid out three and a round tower to keep you busy. Saint Buithe founded the community in the late fifth century. The tower rises about 28 metres; a fire damaged it in 1098, which is a longer repair history than anything in my house could survive. Muiredach's Cross stands about 5.5 metres tall, its carved biblical scenes sharing the ground with two other tenth-century crosses. I would try reading every panel aloud, but you would be home by Christmas. Mellifont Abbey's rise after 1142 helped draw the old monastery into decline, yet the churchyard never became an empty stage: local burials continue. This is an open national monument, so visit respectfully, stay on established ground and leave the carved stone untouched. Walk around each cross before choosing a favourite. The tower will keep its opinion to itself.

Explorer Tom Monasterboice stone crosses would file a complaint with the council about the amount of tourists taking selfies on them. They’re ancient sculptures, not a photo backdrop for your holiday album. Go before the tourists find out.

Explorer Tom Monasterboice Round Tower has decided its New Year's resolution is to stop being so tall and start being more approachable, which is hard when you’re stone. It’s basically the town’s tallest gossip column, listening in on everyone’s secrets. Bring a pen pal, they'll be jealous.

Explorer Tom Monasterboice round tower lost a bet with a priest who claimed he could climb it in his slippers. It’s still standing tall, though, proving that height beats confidence every single time. Take a mate and argue about what it was for.

Explorer Tom Monasterboice House is having a feud with the next village over something daft, probably about whose gate lodge has better gables. It’s got projecting bays that stick out just to be annoying. A handy spot to stand and pretend you understand demesne architecture history.

Explorer Tom Pedunculate Oak in County Meath has very strong opinions on modern buildings and thinks they’re all just cardboard boxes on stilts. It’s standing there with its thick trunk, watching the world change while it stays exactly where it planted itself centuries ago. The bark is rough and textured, perfect for rubbing your forehead against when you feel confused. Bring a notebook and write the bit I

Explorer Tom European ash in County Louth was once a matchmaker who worked under its branches, pairing off locals with questionable taste. Bring wellies and low expectations, leave delighted by the absolute chaos of romance it orchestrated here.

Explorer Tom The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre has a New Year's resolution to stop pretending it’s not just a house with a lot of history stuffed into it. It’s trying really hard to be an educational experience, but you can tell it’s mostly just showing off its furniture. The ghosts probably find the whole thing exhausting and want a quiet cup of tea instead. Look

Explorer Tom The Battle of the Boyne would have a dating profile saying 'Lover of cannon fire, seeking someone who won't run away from commitment.' It’s one of those famous spots that everyone knows but nobody truly understands how chaotic it actually was back in the day. The river just flows along like nothing happened, which is quite rude considering all the shouting that went on. Bring