Sacred Sites of County Meath, Ireland
New Grange
Knowth
Knowth
Hill of Tara
High Cross in Duleek
This may be a High Cross. I didn’t see a grave. According to Bernd Biege,
“High Crosses were used to mark a sacred space and declare adherence to the Christian beliefs. Basically it’s a sign saying “Here be Christians!”, but also “This is hallowed ground, keep its peace!”
High crosses were also used as a focal point of celebrations – out of necessity one might say. The classic layout of the early monastic settlements included a church, a cross and (if funds permitted) a round tower – the latter’s door oriented towards the first’s entrance, with the cross in the middle. And the church was usually too small for even a modest congregation. Which meant that the huddled masses had to attend mass al fresco. Gathered around the cross.
But not all High Crosses were of an ecclesiastical nature – some seem to have been connected to territorial rights, marking a market place for instance. Others were erected to commemorate an important event or person.
The only use High Crosses were not put to was … as an actual grave marker.”
Loughcrew
