Castletown and Glinsk High Cross, Kinnitty, Co. Offaly.

Location – In the grounds of Kinnitty Castle which is just off, and visible from, the R421. The cross is right next to the Camcor river.
OS: N 203 058 (map 54)
Longitude: 7° 41' 47.65" W
Latitude: 53° 6' 9.86" N
GPS: N 20321 05835 (Accuracy: 5m)
See map at the bottom of the page.

Description and History – This beautiful 10th century high cross is now located in the grounds of Kinnitty Castle which is not its original location. Its origins are unknown but it probably came from one of the many local ecclesiastical sites. The cross, in its current location, is also on the wrong axis with the E face now facing S. The head of the cross is damaged and largely missing. The rest of the cross is richly decorated. There are large sections with animal, foliage and geometric designs carved on it and various biblical scenes which include the crucifixion, David playing the lyre and Eve handing the apple to Adam. A weathered inscription attributes the cross to Colman and Maelsechnaill Mac Maelruanaid, King of Tara from 846-862AD.

Difficulty – Really easy to get to as it is in the grounds of the castle hotel. Plenty of parking.

For more ecclesiastical sites, click here.
For more sites in Co. Offaly, click here.

The crucifixion.

There are wonderful patterns on the reverse face.

The highly weathered base.

Eve handing the apple to Adam.

In this shot you can clearly see where the cross has been broken and placed back together again. It also looks as if both sections have been weathered in different ways.

View The Standing Stone in a larger map