Irish high crosses are undoubtedly one of the great treasures of our nation, but what are their origins and how were they created? In this fascinating discussion with Prof. Roger Stalley we dig into the story

High crosses have become one of the most totemic images of our nation. The crosses have come to symbolise not only Irish Christianity, but Irish identity. Go to any graveyard today and you’ll see dozens of replicas, embellished with interlace and celtic-style art. But what are the origins of this symbol and is it completely unique to Ireland? I was so delighted to have the opportunity to discuss high crosses with Professor Roger Stalley of Trinity College Dublin. Roger’s new publication Early Irish Sculpture and the Art of the High Crosses is a landmark study that focuses on the remarkable Muiredach’s Cross at Monasterboice. Where previous studies of high crosses have focused on the iconography and religious depictions, Roger takes a broader view and examines just how these magnificent monuments were created, looking at who may have commissioned them, how were they quarried and what can we discover of the artists and sculptors.

This discussion takes a deep dive into some of these questions, you’ll find out what was in the toolkit of an early medieval sculptor, we discuss the political and religious impetus that led to their development, and we examine the threats that Ireland’s high crosses face today, and what exactly we can do about it. I hope you enjoy the episode.

Irish High Crosses – Key Discussion Points

• What are the origins of Ireland’s high crosses? – 1 min 02 secs
• Which of Ireland’s high crosses could be the earliest? – 6 min 50 secs
• The importance of regionality – 10 min 30 secs
• How were high crosses made and what stone was preferred? – 11 min 12 secs
• Who created the high crosses? Is there any evidence of an individual creating more than one high cross? – 16 min 15 secs
• Are high crosses a Columban innovation? – 21 min 05 secs
• What would be in the toolkit of a sculptor who created a high cross? – 23 min 45 secs
• Engineering ability in early medieval Ireland – 27 min 45 secs
• Who commissioned the creation of a high cross? – 30 min 00 secs
• Depictions on Irish high crosses – 35 mins 20 secs
• How much truth is there in the old cliché that crosses were created to communicate biblical stories for an illiterate population? – 40 min 30 secs
• Were Irish high crosses painted? – 45 min 35 secs
• What makes Muiredach’s Cross at Monasterboice so special? – 55 mins 15 secs
• What were the cats on the cross all about? – 59 min 02 secs
• Aside from Muiredach’s Cross, does Roger have any particular favourite crosses? – 1 hour 01 mins 01 secs
• The future for our high crosses – what threats do they face? – 1 hour 03 mins 25 secs
• The need for a collaborative solution to the threats to our high crosses – 1 hour 11 mins 27 secs
• The interconnectedness and multifaceted nature of Irish high crosses – 1 hour 17 mins 53 secs

Show notes and links to further information

• I honestly cannot recommend Roger’s new publication highly enough, it is one of the most beautifully illustrated and accessible publications I’ve read in recent years. You can find a copy from the publisher Yale University Press, or if you’re in Ireland you can find it at Kennys with free delivery (or your local bookshop).
• The high crosses of Monasterboice is something you really need to experience for yourself. They are just stunning! If you get a nice bright day, particularly in the autumn with low glancing light, you will see the work of a true master. If you’d like to make a day of it, there are a number of other incredible monuments nearby – all featuring on our free audio tour of the Boyne Valley.
• We may have discussed how the crosses were coloured – but we didn’t talk about which colours! You can choose yourself as we have a free printable colouring page of Muiredach’s Cross, beautifully illustrated by Sara. Download and print yours here.
• I hope you’re enjoying our podcast so far. If you have the time I’d love it if you’d consider leaving us a review. It really helps us, especially on Apple Podcasts.
• Do you want to dig even deeper into the stories of Ireland? Our membership service Tuatha could be for you! We have lots of information on places to visit, exclusive itineraries covering wonderful landscapes like the Dingle Peninsula, Causeway Coast and Connemara, online courses, exclusive tours and monthly talks, and so much more! We’d love it if you joined. You can find out more here.