| Kinnitty Cross | |||||||||
| Native Name: | Ardchros Chionn Eitigh | ||||||||
| Native Language: | ga | ||||||||
| Coordinates: | 53.103°N -7.6974°W | ||||||||
| Location: | Castletown and Glinsk, Kinnitty, County Offaly, Ireland | ||||||||
| Built: | 6th century | ||||||||
| Type: | High cross | ||||||||
| Height: | 2.4 m (8 feet) | ||||||||
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Kinnitty Cross is a high cross and National Monument located near Kinnitty, County Offaly, Ireland.
Kinnitty Cross is in the grounds of Castle Bernard, built on the west bank of the River Camcor, about 1.5 km (1 mile) east of Kinnitty village.
Saint Finnian of Clonard (470–549) built a monastery on the site, and the high cross is associated with this monastery.
Local legend claims that the cross was erected by a St. Colman to commemorate the conversion of his father, Óengus mac Nad Froích (430–489), by Saint Patrick. The cross was covered with carvings in the 9th century by Máel Sechnaill mac Máele Ruanaid (d. 862), High King of Ireland.
The cross is made of sandstone (not of local origin) and stands 2.4m (07.9feet) high.[2] [3]