Clonmanoise Cross of the Scriptures, South Cross & Slabs, Co. Offaly
Location :
About 8 miles E of Ballinasloe off the R 357 road, at Shannonbridge,
on the banks of the Shannon river or 7 miles S of Atlone town
off the N62 road. Signposted. Admission entry.
Features :
The monastery were the crosses are was founded
by St. Ciaran in 548 A.D. Today a visitor (heritage) centre houses
the original unpierced ring Cross of the Scriptures and grave slabs while
reproduction casts lie outside on the monastery grounds. Here I
show on the west face (left photo) the crucifixion, below that a panel with the
arrest of Christ and below that again, roman soldiers guarding the tomb of
Christ. On the east face (right photo) appears a triumphant Christ within the
centre of the wheel cross and soldiers on three panels below.
This is a highly developed stone celtic cross showing extensive
panelwork and craftsmanship. The third photo has the east face
of the south cross with heavy 'bossing' and geometric design.
2 grave slabs, one commemorating 'Suibine Mac Mailae' are
photographed inside the visitor centre at the page bottom.
Date :
The slabs are from 887 A.D. and scriptures cross from 10th century
A.D.
