Kells High Crosses – Ancient Stone Masterpieces in County Meath

Overview

Kells, a living town that has evolved over a millennium, is best known for its monastic heritage. At the heart of this heritage lie four high crosses – the West (or Broken) Cross, the South Cross (also called the Cross of St Patrick and St Columba), the Unfinished Cross, and the Market Cross (the Cross of the Gate). Set amid the ancient graveyard that once surrounded St Colmcille’s monastery, these stone sculptures are among the finest surviving examples of early Irish Christian art.

History

The monastic settlement at Kells was founded by St Columba (St Colmcille) in the mid‑6th century. After Viking raids on Iona in 804 AD, the Columban community transferred to Kells, bringing with them a flourishing tradition of stone carving. Between the 8th and 9th centuries the monks erected the high crosses that still dominate the town’s skyline.

• West Cross (Broken Cross) – Standing 3.5 m tall, only the shaft survives today, but its four sides are still richly carved.
• South Cross – The earliest of the quartet, this 3.3 m high cross is carved from a single block of sandstone and is traditionally linked to St Patrick and St Columba.
• Unfinished Cross – The tallest at approximately 4.75 m, it looms over the south side of the present‑day church and offers a glimpse of a cross that was never completed.
• Market Cross (Cross of the Gate) – Dating from the 9th century, this sandstone cross originally marked the eastern gate of the monastic enclosure. Its carvings include rare depictions of desert hermits St Paul and St Anthony, and an inscription added in 1688 by Robert Balfe, a local benefactor.

These crosses served multiple purposes: they marked the sacred boundary (the termon), provided sanctuary for fugitives, and acted as visual sermons, illustrating Old and New Testament narratives for a largely illiterate populace. The intricate iconography reflects the scholarly vigor of the Columban monks, who also produced the famed Book of Kells.

What to See & Do

Visiting the high crosses is a self‑guided journey through early medieval spirituality:

• Examine the carvings – Look for scenes such as the Crucifixion, the Last Judgment, and the unusual desert hermit episodes on the Market Cross. The South Cross’s interlace and figure work are especially well preserved.
• Walk the Kells Historic Trail – The trail links the high crosses with the round tower, St Colmcille’s House, and the old courthouse. A free PDF map can be downloaded from the Boyne Valley website.
• Visit the round tower – Although roofless, the 25 m tall tower offers a dramatic backdrop to the crosses and hints at the defensive role of monastic sites.
• Stop at the Kells Courthouse Tourism & Cultural Hub – Located opposite the Market Cross, the hub houses a facsimile of the Book of Kells and a replica of the Kells Crozier.
• Explore St Colmcille’s House – A 9th‑century stone church on Church Lane, reachable via a short walk and narrow road parking.

Practical Information

Getting there – From Dublin, the quickest route is the M3 motorway (Exit 10 for Kells South) or the N3 via Navan. Travellers from the north can use the M1, then join the N51 and R163 into town. Parking is available near the courthouse and on the streets surrounding the graveyard.

Accessibility – The high crosses are set in a public graveyard with level ground, but the uneven stone surfaces may be challenging for wheelchair users. The nearby cultural hub provides accessible facilities.

Visitor resources – Pick up a free Kells Historic Trail map at the courthouse hub, or download the PDF version here: Kells Historic Trail Map. Guided historic walking tours can be booked via the Boyne Valley website.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about Ireland’s monastic legacy, the Kells High Crosses offer a compelling, tangible encounter with a world where stone told the stories of faith.