Crossmoyle

Overview

Crossmoyle is a townland in the parish of Clones, County Monaghan. Its most striking feature is the stone cross that gives the place its name – the headless “Crois Mhaoil” that stands in the centre of the village diamond. The monument is a tangible reminder of the early monastic network that once dominated this part of Ulster.

Location & Landscape

Crossmoyle lies in the electoral division of Clones Urban, within the civil parish of Clones and the barony of Dartree. The townland covers 33.83 ha (0.34 km²) and is positioned at 54° 10′ 42″ N, 7° 14′ 5″ W. Its flat, open setting makes the cross highly visible from the surrounding streets and from the nearby Ulster Canal Greenway. The townland borders Carn to the north, Clonboy to the west, Largy and Legarhill to the east, and Teehill to the south 【townlands.ie】.

History

The cross belongs to the 9th‑10th century “Ulster group” of scriptural high crosses. Its shaft rises about eight feet, the base three feet, and the head four feet, although the present head is a modern addition. The panels on the south face depict Old Testament scenes such as Daniel in the lions’ den, while the reverse shows New Testament miracles. In medieval times such crosses served as stone sermons, marking monastic boundaries or sanctuaries rather than graves.

The name “Crossmoyle” itself derives from the Irish “Crois Mhaoil”, meaning “headless cross”. Historical records indicate that the original cross once stood on the banks of a stream near present‑day Mac Curtain Street. By the early 18th century it had been repurposed as a billboard, and in 1820 a mason was paid to set its steps. The stone was damaged in 1843, allegedly by a drunken Orangeman, but was quickly repaired. In 1904 the Board of Works, at the request of Clones Urban Council, erected the railings that still enclose the monument today.

The cross formed part of a larger monastic federation centred on Clones. From about 550 AD monastic foundations proliferated across the region, and Clones became the chief ecclesiastical centre in Monaghan until the 15th‑century Franciscan foundation in the Monaghan Town Trail. The monastic network was disrupted by Viking raids in 836, after which many stone monuments, including the cross, survived as silent witnesses to the early Irish church.

Heritage status

The Crossmoyle high cross is listed as a protected historic monument by Monaghan County Council and is recorded on the National Monuments Service database. This designation helps ensure its preservation and guides any future conservation work.

What to See & Do

• The Cross itself – Examine the carved panels up close; the juxtaposition of the original stone shaft with the modern head offers a visual narrative of preservation and change.
• Clones Round Tower – A short walk north brings you to the leaning 70‑foot round tower, originally about 96 feet tall, with its doorway eight feet above ground and five internal floors accessed by a removable ladder.
• Clones Celtic Cross – Nearby, the high cross of the Ulster group adds another layer of early Christian art, its intricate iconography complementing the Crossmoyle stone.
• Heritage Trail – Follow the self‑guided route that links the cross, the round tower, and the historic town centre. Signage is modest but the layout is intuitive.
• Ulster Canal Greenway – The 4.2 km greenway that follows the abandoned Ulster Canal passes close to Crossmoyle, providing a pleasant cycling or walking extension to your visit. The route is wheelchair‑accessible, surfaced with compacted gravel, and includes heritage bridges and a lock house. The greenway forms part of a larger cross‑border project that will eventually link Lough Erne with the Shannon Waterways, creating a 130 km recreational corridor.
• Local Amenities – After exploring, stop at The Coffee Box (a converted horse‑box café offering coffee, brunch and homemade cakes) or browse Lipton’s retail space for souvenirs. Both are within a few minutes’ walk of the cross.

Getting There & Parking

Crossmoyle is freely accessible at all times; there is no admission fee. The nearest car park is a roadside lay‑by on the Clones‑Ballybay road, offering short on‑street parking for visitors – parking is free but spaces are limited and may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Public transport options include Bus Éireann services to Clones; the cross is a five‑minute walk northwards from the town centre bus stop. Cyclists can approach via the Ulster Canal Greenway, which provides a traffic‑free, wheelchair‑accessible entry.

Local Amenities

The immediate vicinity of the cross is served by a handful of conveniences useful for a quick break:

• Cafés: Dinkins Coffee Shop (≈100 m) and The Coffee Box (≈200 m).
• Pubs: The Diamond Tavern, The Cosy Bar, Tower Bar and The Canal Bar are all within a 300‑metre radius, offering a selection of drinks and light meals.
• Essential services: An ATM (Ulster Bank, ≈100 m), a post office (Clones Post Office, ≈300 m) and an ESB electric‑vehicle charging point (Typ‑2, ≈100 m) are nearby.
• Retail: Lipton’s shop and a small clothing outlet (McGarry’s) provide souvenirs and basic goods.

These amenities make it easy to refuel, grab a bite or charge a device before continuing along the greenway or heading into Clones.

Weather & Visiting Tips

Crossmoyle experiences a temperate maritime climate – mild winters, cool summers and frequent showers throughout the year. Average daytime temperatures range from 8 °C in January to 18 °C in July. Rainfall is spread evenly, with the wettest months typically October to January.

Best time to visit: Late spring (May‑June) and early autumn (September) offer longer daylight hours, comfortable temperatures and a lower chance of heavy rain, making the heritage trail and greenway most enjoyable.

What to bring: Waterproof footwear, a light rain jacket and, if you plan to walk the greenway, a water‑proof backpack for a picnic. The greenway surface is compacted gravel; sturdy shoes are recommended.

Nearby Attractions

• Clones Abbey – The ruins of the 12th‑century Augustinian abbey lie a short walk east of the cross and are linked via the heritage trail. (Clones Abbey)
• Augustinian Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul – Another historic monastic site in Clones, offering further insight into the region’s ecclesiastical heritage. (Augustinian Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul)
• Clones Lace Museum – Celebrate the town’s famous lace tradition in this small museum housed in a historic building. (Clones Lace Museum)
• Dartrey Forest – A 5 km forest walk with lake views, just a 10‑minute drive north of Crossmoyle. (Dartrey Forest)

Practical Information

• Opening hours: Open year‑round, 24 hours – the site is public land.
• Admission: Free.
• Accessibility: The cross sits on ground level with a smooth surrounding surface; the Ulster Canal Greenway is graded ‘easy’ and wheelchair‑accessible.
• Dog‑friendly: Pets on a leash are welcome on the greenway and around the monument.
• Contact: Managed by Monaghan County Council’s Heritage Officer. Enquiries can be directed to the council office at 1 Dublin Street, Monaghan (telephone 047 73722, email heritage@monaghancoco.ie).
• Further information: Downloadable PDFs of the Ulster Canal Greenway map and the broader Ulster Canal Trail are available on the Monaghan tourism website. The heritage page for Crossmoyle Monastic Sites provides additional context and links to conservation documents: https://monaghan.ie/heritage/crossmoyle-monastic-sites-clones/.