Free Guide - Discover Ireland

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.
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