Around the year 550, Saint Columcille established one of the first and most significant monasteries in the world at the location now known as Durrow. The illuminated Gospel manuscript known as the Book of Durrow comes from an earlier time period than the Book of Kells. Both may be observed in Trinity College Dublin, which is located in Dublin. The important Pattern of Durrow continues to take place every year in June, despite the fact that the Early Christian monastery is no longer in existence. The first documented evidence of Pattern dates back to 1463, and it has flourished from the 1880s up until the present day. It is now one of the few remaining patterns in Ireland. The High Cross of Durrow and a number of Cross Slabs are currently shown within a modest exhibition that is located on-site within a church that has been preserved. This is a magnificent cross that stands 3.60 meters tall. A holy well known as St. Colmcille’s well can be found around 500 meters to the north of the high cross. A plaque with the year AD550 engraved on it can be found hanging over the entrance to the well, which is reached by steps going down to it.
Durrow High Cross
The Durrow Celtic cross may be seen in Durrow Abbey, which is located in County Offaly. It is highly recommended, if you are ever in the neighborhood, to make it a point to pay a visit to the astounding intricate artwork that was created on the crosses centuries before its time. You will be astounded just by the sight of the crosses. It comes as a surprise to learn that the carvings on the cross were done a thousand years ago since they are so easy to make out. The cross illustrates a number of biblical events. The cross and St. Columcille’s well are the only remnants of the early Christian colony, standing about four meters tall. The embellishments on the Durrow high cross are intricately cut into the stone and significantly enhance the cross’s splendor.
Durrow High Cross Necklace
The Durrow High Cross Necklace is a hand-made sterling silver Celtic Cross. This is an exquisitely produced piece of jewelry that symbolizes the robust Christian tradition of Ireland via a design that is both contemporary and modern. The Durrow High Cross Necklace is a replica of the High Cross at Durrow Abby. This stunning necklace has a Celtic cross that has been meticulously recreated down to every breathtaking detail of the original Cross of Durrow. This necklace is a part of our line of necklaces that feature replicas of crosses. Gain a deeper understanding of the significance behind the symbolism of the Celtic Cross.
Panels of the High Cross of Durrow
The warrior with the plaited beard and two hounds may be seen on the south side of the High Cross.
Adam and Eve as well as Cain and Abel are depicted on the south side of the shaft.
The Heads with the intertwining serpent are located on both the northern and southern edges of the ring.
The Flight into Egypt may be found directly under the eight spiral bosses on the north side of the High Cross.
The east face features the last judgment and the interlace panel.
St. Colmcille’s Holy Well
A holy well known as St. Colmcille’s well can be found around 500 meters to the north of the high cross. A plaque with the year AD550 engraved on it can be found hanging over the entrance to the well, which is reached by steps going down to it.
About the Durrow Abbey
Saint Columba, who also created 26 other monasteries by the age of just 25, is credited with founding the monastery that is now known as the Abbey of Durrow in the year 553 or 556 AD. Before departing for Scotland in the year 563 A.D., Saint Columba served as abbot of the monastery for a brief period of time until he appointed his second cousin as his successor. It was very common for monks to make a pilgrimage to Durrow not only for religious reasons but also for the opportunity to learn to read and write both in Latin and Irish as well as have access to beautiful illuminated manuscripts such as the book of Durrow, which was written around the ninth century AD. Durrow was known for being a beacon for education. The name Durrow comes from the Irish word daru, which translates to “plain of oaks.” Therefore, this name means “grove of oak trees,” and it is now the location of Ireland’s sole pre-medieval oak trees, which helps put the age of the monastery into perspective.
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