Monasterboice in a Nutshell: 10 Key Facts

Founded in the early Christian period. Monasterboice was founded in the early 6th century by Saint Buite, an early Irish saint associated with the spread of Christianity in Ireland.
An important monastic settlement. The monastery grew into a major centre of religion, learning, and craftsmanship during early medieval Ireland.
Home to three remarkable high crosses. Monasterboice is best known for its three stone high crosses, among the finest examples of early medieval sculpture in Ireland.
Muiredach’s Cross is the most famous. Muiredach’s Cross, dating to around the early 10th century, is considered the finest high cross in Ireland due to its detailed biblical carvings.
Scenes from the Bible carved in stone. The panels on the crosses depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, designed to teach biblical stories to a largely illiterate population.
A round tower formed part of the monastery. The round tower at Monasterboice originally had a conical cap and served as a landmark, bell tower, and place of refuge for the monastic community.
A medieval graveyard still in use. The graveyard at Monasterboice has been used for burial for over a thousand years and continues to serve the local community.
Decline after the rise of Mellifont. The importance of Monasterboice declined in the 12th century following the foundation of nearby Mellifont Abbey.
Survived Viking and later turmoil. Like many early monasteries, Monasterboice experienced periods of attack and disruption during the Viking Age.
One of Ireland’s finest early Christian sites. Today, Monasterboice is regarded as one of the most important early Christian monastic sites in Ireland and a highlight of the Boyne Valley.

The Irish yew is a distinctive variety of the common yew, notable for its columnar growth profile

Irish Yew Trees at Monasterboice

The Irish yew (Taxus baccata ‘Fastigiata’) is a distinctive variety of the common yew, notable for its columnar growth profile. Discovered in 1767 on the slopes of the Cuilcagh Mountains in County Fermanagh, cuttings from the original tree became the foundation for all subsequent Irish yews. The Irish yew gained popularity in the 19th century, especially during the Victorian era, for use in formal gardens and cemeteries due to its unique shape and dark, dense foliage.

Monasterboice High Crossess

Founded by St. Buithe a follower of St. Patrick, in the late 5th century AD, Monasterboice is most famous for its spectacular high crosses.

Muirdach's Cross 10th Century 5.5m (18 ft)

Eastern face:

• Adam and Eve
• Cain murdering Abel
• David and Goliath
• Moses bringing water from the rock to the Israelites
• Three Magi bearing gifts to Mary and Jesus.
• Last Judgment
• The saved on Christ's right
• Devil holding a trident.
• St. Anthony and St. Paul - 3rd century hermit saints.

Western face:

• An inscription translated as, "A prayer for Muiredach for whom the cross was made." accompanied by two cats.
• The arrest of Christ
• Doubting Thomas
• Christ giving the keys of heaven to St. Peter and a book to St. Paul
• Crucifixion scene in the centre.
• (Left Arm) Peter denying Christ.
• (Right Arm) The Resurrection of Christ.
• Moses praying with Aaron and Hur.

West Cross 10th century 6.5m high (21 ft)

Eastern face:

• David killing a lion.
• Abraham sacrificing Isaac.
• Worship of the Golden Calf.
• David with Goliath's head - Samuel anoints David as King.
• Goliath defying the Armies of Israel.
• Horse drawing chariot - Elijah setting forth on his heavenward journey.
• The three holy Children in the Babylonian Furnace.
• The Ascension, Christ with eleven Apostles.
• The Apparition of the Risen Christ – Head of Cross.

• (Left Arm) The Arrest of Christ in Gathsemane.
• (Right Arm) Michael the Archangel drives a crozier into Satan.

Western face:

• The Resurrection
• The Baptism of Christ
• The Twelve Apostles.
• The Crucifixion.

• (Left Arm) Christ blindfolded and mocked.
• (Right Arm) The kiss of Judas.

Monasterboice was an important centre of spirituality and scholarship until the Cistercians arrived at nearby Mellifont Abbey in 1142.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full day private tours. Visit the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, home to the great Neolithic monuments of Newgrange and Knowth, renowned for their remarkable stone art and their alignment with the solar cycle. Explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick is said to have lit the Paschal fire, and discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient ceremonial seat of the High Kings of Ireland.

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Your tour can also include other outstanding Boyne Valley sites such as the Neolithic passage tomb of Fourknocks, Monasterboice with its celebrated high crosses, medieval Trim Castle, or the peaceful ruins of Mellifont Abbey, Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery. Each itinerary is tailored to your interests, allowing you to experience the archaeology, landscape, and layered history of the Boyne Valley at a relaxed and personal pace.

The tri spiral engraving in the chamber at Newgrange is one of Europe’s most remarkable examples of prehistoric art. Carved over 5,000 years ago in the right hand recess of the cruciform chamber, its three interlinked spirals are deeply incised with striking precision and balance. Its meaning remains uncertain, but many connect it to cycles of time, the sun, and renewal, particularly the Winter Solstice illumination, when sunlight reaches the heart of the monument.

Irish History Timeline

Explore the key moments that shaped Ireland, from the first settlers after the Ice Age to independence and modern Ireland. This clear chronological guide highlights the major periods, events, and turning points in Irish history. View the full Irish History Timeline.