Cross — High cross in Clonmacnoise

National Monument No. 81. Shaft of high cross which was found in the wall of St. Ciarans church (OF005-013001-) in 1955 (Hicks 1980, 6). The shaft of the cross (H 0.59m; Wth 0.33m; D 0.16m) is decorated with interlaced beasts in Hiberno-Romanesque style (Edwards 1984, 57-62). Now on display in the Clonmacnoise Interpretative Centre. Described by Harbison (1992 vol. 1, 56) as following 'A fragment of the upper part of the shaft of a sandstone cross which Liam de Paor found in 1955, buried in the wall of St. Ciaran's church (OF005-013001-). It is 59cm high, 33cm wide and 17cm deep. It has a roll moulding on the edges, with a smaller rib-moulding beside it. EAST SIDE A vertical panel of interlace. SOUTH FACE Two upright lions with interlocking jaws facing one another. WEST SIDE A panel of interlaced Stafford knots. NORTH FACE The north face is covered with interlace'. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011