Castledermot High Crosses Co. Kildare

North Cross

West face
South, east and north face

South Cross

West face
South face
North and east face. Base of 'third' cross

"Hog-back" grave marker

Other items of interest

Castledermot High Crosses
County Kildare
O.S. Map 61

Location: The town of Castledermot lies on the N9 and R416. The High Crosses stand in the grounds of St. James Church of Ireland. Be aware that in the north of Kildare, the N9 is a dual carriageway (M9) and the exits don't seem to be placed where maps would indicate they are. Once on the National road or the Regional road, following a map is far easier.

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History: St. James's Church lies on the site of a monastery founded around 800 by the father of St.Diarmuid, after which Castledermot takes its name. The monastery was raided by the Vikings in the 9th century, but continued its existence at least until the 12th century. All that is left today is a splendidly reconstructed Romanesque doorway, which came from a church that has since vanished

Other Items of Interest:In the churchyard there is a reconstructed Romanesque doorway from a 12th century church. There are a number of early Christian grave slabs, a holed "swearing" stone, another holed stone, and the only "hog-back" (a Scandinavian style grave marker) known in Ireland,