High Crosses and graves in SligoAround County Sligo, you can admire beautiful engraved Early Christian gravestones (eg Carrowtemple & Inishmurray) and stunning high crosses that are richly decorated.
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High Crosses
Drumcliff High Cross
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Drumcliff High Cross which dates back to the 9th Century has on its east face carvings of Adam & Eve, Cain & Abel, Daniel in the Lion's Den and Christ in glory. On its west face a crucifixion and other unidentified images. There is also extensive interlacing and animal ornament.
These crosses were used to illustrate stories from the bible to a mostly illiterate congregation. |
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Engraved Graves
Carrowntemple grave slabs
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Approximately 6km away from Monasteraden is Carrowntemple graveyard where you can find the inscribed Carrowntemple grave slabs. The early monastery at Carrowntemple is said to have been found by two brothers whose names are not recorded... At the time of Elizabeth I it belonged to Ballymote castle.
Fourteen sandstone Early Christian grave slabs were found mainly to the south and east of the church within the old graveyard. The designs of the slabs are much more elaborate than those of any other County Sligo grave slab of the period with exception of those on Inishmurray. Some of the slabs have art that is derived from pagan Celtic iron Age art. |
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