Rhode Wayside Cross, Offaly

Rhode Wayside Cross

 At a place called Rhode in County Offaly there's an interesting late medieval relic. It's the shaft of a Wayside Cross.

It is described on the National Monuments Service, Sites and Monuments records, as dating to the 16th or possibly 17th century.

Each side of the shaft has a figure carved on it in high relief. They are believed to be a Bishop, a Monk, the Virgin Mary and Jesus in Crucifixion. 

For myself, I think what's described as Mary might actually be a Nun. That's just a guess on my part.

An inscription near the base of the shaft reads "blessed are the poor in spirit" but I could only make out the word "blessed".

At some stage an ugly modern head has been attached to the shaft of the Cross. The Wayside Cross lies in the Garden of the Parochial House in Rhode village. Do ask permission before entering.

It's believed that a Franciscan Convent once stood at this site and was a daughter house of a Franciscan Monastery which once existed at nearby Edenderry, Monasteroris.

 

Today Castro Petre (1777/78) Church of Ireland at Edenderry marks the spot where Monasteroris once stood.

Rhode is a little off the beaten track but I found the little Wayside Cross interesting enough to warrant a visit.

I came across a brightly pained old Cast iron water pump in the village while I also spotted the remains of an old Windmill off in the distance across some fields.

 It would be nice to see more of these refitted with their original sails.

After visiting the Wayside Cross it was time for a quick detour to visit Ballyburly Standing Stone and take a few pictures. I've included those below as well.

Keep the wheels turning.

Rhode Wayside Cross Coordinates :

53°20'55.3"N 7°12'04.2"W