Old Kilcullen West High Cross in 3D
Text and Models by Seán Sourke
Overview
High Cross Shaft (National Monument KD028-049002-)
Old Kilcullen is an important early medieval Christian site that likely predates the mission of St Patrick. Within the hilltop churchyard stands two high cross shafts carved, like the Castledermot and Moone crosses, from granite. This partial high cross shaft dating from c. 9th-10th century lies to the west of the medieval church foundations.
The cross shaft contains carved panels on each face with a variety of interlace designs and biblical scenes depicted. Surmounting the present north face is an enigmatic panel that almost certainly represents an early medieval cleric associated with the site known as MacTáil; a nickname referencing an adze, which is a type of axe. The figure is surrounded by the accoutrements of an early Irish bishop or abbot; a gospel book, a crozier, and a hand bell. These items often came to be considered relics of a saint in Ireland.
The background image is an etching published in Grose’s Antiquities of Ireland, taken from a drawing by Daniel Grose created in July 1792. It depicts the intact church with the cross shaft lying on the ground beside the base which presently holds it.
NOTE: This model requires good bandwidth and a reasonably powerful computer to view successfully, as the download size is 142MB.
Old Kilcullen also contains a partial round tower and the foundations of a medieval church that once incorporated a Romanesque chancel arch.
NOTE: This model requires good bandwidth and a reasonably powerful computer to view successfully, as the download size is 142MB.