Downpatrick High Cross, Down

Irish High Crosses

Downpatrick High Cross dating from the 10th or 11th century. It was relocated to Downpatrick cathedral in 1897 from the busy centre of Downpatrick. The cross consists of a cross head and shaft mounted on a modern base. The original base was cut in half and used as a water trough, it was later used as a font in Downpatrick Cathedral.The figure sculpture, on the 2.38 m tall cross, is so worn that it’s interpretation is difficult. According to Dr. Peter Harbison, the east face may show a highly unusual selection of scenes illustrating the early life of the virgin Mary, similar to that at Duleek in Co. Meath. The head bears the crucifixion with the thieves. The west face is even more worn and the only scenes that may be identified with some likelihood are an Adam and Eve at the bottom of the shaft and a last judgment scene on the head. A crucifixion scene on the west side of the head with
West face	East face
East-North face	West-South face and base replica
Half of the original base is now used as a font in Downpatrick Cathedral
Situated: In County Down Museum. As you approach the town on the A7 from the south, you will see the Cathedral on a hill to your left. When the road bends sharp left and changes to Irish Steet take the next left onto English Street, the museum is on the right hand side of this road. Google Map. Discovery OS. Map 21 J . Longitude: ° ' " W Latitude: ° ' " N Last Visit: April 2022.	Nearest High Crosses featured on this website Kilbroney: 39 Kilometres SW. Connor 70 Kilometres NNW. Armagh: 80 Kilometres West. Donaghmore 90 Kilometres WNW. Photos: Jose Gutierrez.

Downpatrick

High Cross dating from the 10th or 11th century. It was relocated to Downpatrick cathedral in 1897 from the busy centre of Downpatrick. The cross consists of a cross head and shaft mounted on a modern base. The original base was cut in half and used as a water trough, it was later used as a font in Downpatrick Cathedral.The figure sculpture, on the 2.38 m tall cross, is so worn that it’s interpretation is difficult. According to Dr. Peter Harbison, the east face may show a highly unusual selection of scenes illustrating the early life of the virgin Mary, similar to that at Duleek in Co. Meath. The head bears the crucifixion with the thieves. The west face is even more worn and the only scenes that may be identified with some likelihood are an Adam and Eve at the bottom of the shaft and a last judgment scene on the head.

A crucifixion scene on the west side of the head with

West face

East face

East-North face

West-South face and base replica

Half of the original base is now used as a font in Downpatrick Cathedral

Situated: In County Down Museum. As you approach the town on the A7 from the south, you will see the Cathedral on a hill to your left. When the road bends sharp left and changes to Irish Steet take the next left onto English Street, the museum is on the right hand side of this road.

Google Map.

Discovery OS. Map 21 J .

Longitude: ° ' " W

Latitude: ° ' " N

Last Visit: April 2022.

Nearest High Crosses featured on this website

Kilbroney: 39 Kilometres SW.

Connor 70 Kilometres NNW.

Armagh: 80 Kilometres West.

Donaghmore 90 Kilometres WNW.

Photos: Jose Gutierrez.

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