Tuesday 14 July 2020

Killamery High Cross, Kilkenny

Killamery High Cross

 

Killamery High Cross is located in a picturesque area of County Kilkenny and while quite close to the N76 it still feels like it's remote and rural.

Killamery High Cross

It's believed Killamery was first established in 632 by Saint Gobban (Góban) however today it is associated with Saint Nicholas. 
First views of Killamery are dominated by the ruins of an early 1800's Board of First Fruit Church.

Killamery High Cross

Saint Nicholas is reputedly buried at the Church in the 
"lost town" of Newtown Jerpoint, an old abandoned medieval settlement not far from Jerpoint Abbey.

Killamery High Cross

The High Cross at Killamery is believed to date from the late 8th or early 9th Century, one of the "Ossory" group of High Crosses. 

Killamery High Cross, Bullaune Stones

It is richly decorated with a flower pattern of Marigolds, Snakes devouring each other and a Monster type creature which is a bit weathered. 

Killamery High Cross

Several panels have interlaced lozenge patterns on them and there is an inscription in Irish on the base of the cross but it has long since been weathered away. 

Killamery High Cross

The arms of the Cross are also decorated with intricate patterns and the cap of the Cross resembles a Gabled Roof and is fully intact.

 Killamery High Cross

It's a tranquil and quiet site with several other interesting relics around it including Bullaun stones, Holed stones, an inscribed medieval carved Cross Slab and Saint Nicholas' Holy Well which has an unusual "Gabled" style covering over it.

Killamery High Cross, Saint Nicholas Well

There is also a plaque mounted on the wall into Killamery commerating those who died in the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion.

Killamery High Cross

Close to Killamery are Ahenny and Kilkieran which both contain several beautiful examples of Irish High Crosses as well.

Killamery High Cross

Nearby is Knockroe Passage Tomb which is the ruin of an unusual Passage Tomb in that both passages are aligned with the Sun at different times, Sunrise and Sundown on the Winter solstice. There are also some nice examples of neolithic Rock Art at Knockroe.

Killamery High Cross, Saint Nicholas Well

There are specific "Dark Green" coloured signs around here which must have been created for sites of interest in this area and they can be spotted as you travel about. 

Killamery High Cross

The signs are very useful in finding your way around and navigating to sites of interest in the area. 

Killamery High Cross

Killamery exudes a feeling of calmness and peace and is a nice spot to relax for a few minutes leaving behind the 21st Century for a moment or two.

Killamery High Cross, 1798 Memorial

All in all Killamery is quiet and tranquil, well worth a visit in its own right if you are in the area or travelling through. 

Coordinates for Killamery :
52°28'34.8"N 7°26'40.0"W
52.476328 - 7.444452

Killamery High Cross


Killamery High Cross


Kells Priory here :

Kilree Round Tower and High Cross here :

Ahenny High Crosses here :