Cross - High cross

The National Monuments Service's description

Erected c. 2006 in the SE corner of the ‘sacristy’ situated N of the chancel in Kilfenora Cathedral (CL016-015002-) due to weathering. Listed in the SMR (1992) and the RMP (1996) as ‘Cross’. This is the ‘North cross’ which formerly stood near the NW corner of the graveyard (CL016-015003-). It was one of originally 6 limestone high crosses at Kilfenora, five of which are still there (see CL016-015005-, CL016-015006-, CL016-015008-, and CL016-015013-) and one of which was moved to Killaloe in 1821 (CL045-033009-). This cross is described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 115) as a ‘ringless hammer-headed cross’ (H 2.06m; 0.73m across the arms; shaft 0.45m x 0.16m at base). The E face (now facing N) has a domed boss in the centre and flattened roll mouldings at the edges curling up into spirals near the bottom of the head. Only the head of the W face (now facing S) is decorated with what Harbison calls a ‘field of Stafford knots’ across the arms, beneath which is a square panel consisting of four interlinked knots of pointed triangular interlace, with a double spiral on each side of it at the top of the shaft. The top has a panel of pointed interlace, flanked beneath and on the right by a meander motif. The sides are undecorated. De Paor (1955-6, 58) noted that this cross differs from the others at Kilfenora in not having a wheeled or ringed head and in not having a tapering shaft. This is a national monument in State care.

The following images are uploaded:
CL016-015007-_01.jpg The E face of the North cross in its new location in the cathedral (now facing N).
CL016-015007-_02.jpg The head of the E face of the North cross.
CL016-015007-_03.jpg The W face of the North cross in its former location in the graveyard.

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 26 September 2017

References

De Paor, L. 1955 The limestone crosses of Clare and Aran. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 26, 53-71.

Harbison, P. 1992 The high crosses of Ireland: an iconographical and photographic survey, 3 vols. Dublin. Royal Irish Academy. Bonn. Dr. Rudolf Habelt GMBH.