The Irish High Cross- Origins, Revival and Replicas

Irish High Crosses are some of the most iconic and evocative of our ancient monuments. They are highly decorated masterpieces of Early Medieval sculpture in stone. During the 19th century in Ireland the ancient High Cross captured the attention of artists and sculptors of the “Celtic Revival”, most notably Henry O’Neill. The revival of interest in these monuments led to replica High Crosses being cast and displayed at exhibitions across the globe. Monumental sculptors, inspired by these replicas, made grave markers in the style of High Crosses, changing the skylines of Irish graveyards in the process. In 2024 a full-scale replica of the 10th century Donaghmore Cross was manufactured to mark and celebrate the co-location of HERoNI and PRONI, at the Titanic Quarter, Belfast, where the cross is on display in the atrium.

This lecture will explore the origins and chronological development of the High Cross and its later revivals. This lecture celebrates European Archaeology Days (EAD).

Bio: Bronagh Murray is Project Officer for Archaeology 2030: A strategic approach for Northern Ireland, she is an archaeologist within Heritage Records and Designations Branch, Historic Environment Division. Bronagh’s specialist research area is in Iron Age and Early Medieval sculpture. She has worked on numerous excavations throughout Northern Ireland from prehistoric settlements to 19th century vernacular dwellings.

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