Monasterboice is said to have been founded by St. Buithe (Saint Buite) (d. 521AD), a follower of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. (There is evidence that the site had pre-Christian sacred significance as well.) It is from St. Buithe that the Boyne River gets its name. According to legend, the saint ascended directly into heaven via a ladder lowered from above.

St. Buithe's Monastery was an important centre of spirituality and scholarship until the Cistercians arrived at nearby Mellifont Abbey in 1142, after which Monasterboice declined.

Monasterboice is one of Ireland's best-known and earliest religious sites. Here stand the remains of two churches, a Round Tower, three High Crosses and a pre Gothic sundial.

The 95ft Round Tower dates from the 10th century and was used by monks for refuge from the marauding Viking hoards which ransacked many of the wealthy Irish monasteries during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Amongst the finest remains on the site are surly the awe inspiring High Crosses, the most impressive of which is The Cross of Muiredach, standing a massive 17ft 8in, the cross clearly depicts scenes from the Bible, carved in the stone over one thousand years ago. Nearby is the West Cross, standing at over 12ft in height, it is the tallest High Cross in the country.

Like murals and church sculptures, these magnificent examples of Celtic art brought the Bible to life for those who could not read (which was most people)

For more information see www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/monasterboice

Located 10 minutes drive from CityNorth Hotel 

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