Ireland is old… like, really, really, really old. As Americans, I think it’s hard for us to fathom the ancient structures that are found in Ireland. I will never forget being in class with our professor and one of the American students exclaiming with awe that one of the local pubs was founded in 1811. Our professor laughed and said, “I’m Irish. 1811 was practically yesterday!” The professor had a point. In Ireland, the modern exists adjacent to the ancient. On an anthropological tour of the area that I lived, our guide pointed to an ancient neolithic tomb, two large...
The Celtic Cross is one of Ireland’s most recognisable symbols dating back to the Early Middle Ages. They were made famous by the high cross, featured in many churches and graveyards. The origins of the Celtic Cross is not very well known however, many people believe that the circle represents a halo, while others see the ring as Roman sun-god, Invictus. There are many famous Celtic Crosses and High Crosses in Ireland, especially across Ireland’s ancient east - let’s take a look at my top 3! Clonmacnoise Located in the Clonmacnoise monastery, this is Ireland’s most famous high cross dating...
