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The Cross of Muiredach at Monasterboice is the finest High Cross in Ireland and is highly regarded as one of the best surviving examples of Irish religious art 18 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/BOYNEVALLEY
Christianity was introduced into Ireland, probably from Roman Britain, during the 5th century AD, around the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire. Monasterboice is one of Ireland’s earliest and best-known religious sites. Its name derives from the Irish Mainistir Bhuithe meaning ‘the monastery of Buite’. St. Buite, Buite mac Bronaig, was an Irish monk and follower of St. Patrick. In 480, according to legend, St. Buite on a return trip from Rome raised Nechtan Morbet, the King of Pictland (Scotland), from the dead. Another legend states that he ascended into heaven via a golden ladder lowered from the skies by angels. St. Buite died on the day St. Columba was born (7th December, 521). The site comprises two churches and a round tower. Although round towers were originally thought to have been places of refuge from Vikings, the Irish name for these towers – cloic theach meaning a bell house – hints at another possible function. The tower at Monasterboice was burned in 1097, destroying the monastic library and other treasures. However, it is still in excellent condition, though without its Monasterboice conical cap. It is the second tallest round tower in Ireland, after the one on Scattery Island, Co. Clare. The Vikings occupied the site for a period until they were routed by Domhnall, King of Tara, in 968. St. Buite’s monastery remained an important centre of spirituality and learning for many centuries until the establishment of Mellifont Abbey in 1142. The site also contains two of the finest High Crosses in Ireland – the South Cross (or Cross of Muiredach) and the West Cross (or Tall Cross) – which date from the 9th century. The sandstone crosses are finely carved and depict biblical scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Today the image of the High Cross is recognised internationally, not merely as a religious icon but also, as a symbol of Irish cultural heritage. FOR OPENING TIMES AND ADMISSION DETAILS PLEASE SEE PULL OUT INSERT AT THE BACK 19
Page 1 and 2: Free Guide Discover Ireland’s ric
Page 3 and 4: ogheda) 4 1 6 5 2 Dunleer 2 1 16 3
Page 5 and 6: Discover Ireland’s rich heritage!
Page 7 and 8: “So memorable in ancient history,
Page 9 and 10: Bronze Age 2200 - 600 BC Industrial
Page 11 and 12: more recently with canvas. It was a
Page 13 and 14: The imposing façade of St. Peters
Page 15 and 16: Did you know … The current owner
Page 17 and 18: William’s army (called Williamite
Page 19: * An Artist Impression, as it might
Page 23 and 24: West Face (top to base) Ascension o
Page 25 and 26: Stereophonics, Red Hot Chili Pepper
Page 27 and 28: Passage tombs consist of a burial c
Page 29 and 30: * An Artist Impression, as it might
Page 31 and 32: King of Connacht (and last High Kin
Page 33 and 34: is credited with Napoleon’s defea
Page 35 and 36: tower. The tower is surrounded by s
Page 37 and 38: Loughcrew is roughly contemporary w
Page 39 and 40: Solstice Arts Centre could safely h
Page 41 and 42: Drogheda proper began as an Anglo-N
Page 45 and 46: The Salmon of Knowledge - Illustrat
Page 48 and 49: Getting to the Boyne Valley is very
Page 50 and 51: Suggested Itinerary 2 M Morning L L
Page 52 and 53: Your Road Map See detailed touring
Page 54: Notes For further information pleas

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