Tonaknock Cross Explained

Tonaknock Cross
Native Name:	Crois Thóin an Chnoic
Native Name Lang:	ga
Alternate Name:	Killahan Cross^[1]
Map Type:	Ireland
Coordinates:	52.383°N -9.6983°W
Location:	Tonaknock, Abbeydorney, County Kerry, Ireland
Type:	high cross
Built:	c. 7th century AD
Other Designation:	Designation1: National Monument of Ireland Designation1 Number: 303 Designation1 Offname: Tonaknock Cross^[2]

Tonaknock Cross is a high cross and National Monument located in County Kerry, Ireland.^{[3] [4]}

Location

Tonaknock Cross is located on the Ardfert–Lixnaw road.^[5]

History

Tonaknock Abbey, a collegiate church of the Canons Regular, was established here in the 7th century; the cross was probably erected between then and the 9th century and represents an early stage in the development of the Irish high cross.^[6] Local legend says the south arm was broken by a cannonball during the 16th century Desmond Rebellions. It was found buried in a field and was re-erected.^{[7] [8]}

Description

The cross is 3.2m (10.5feet) high^{[9] [10]} and only decoration seems to be small incised circles on the west head and face. It is believed to date from the 9th century.^[11]

Notes and References

1. Web site: The national monuments of the Irish Free State. Irish Free. State. 31 August 2017. Stationery Office. Google Books.
2. Web site: National Monuments in State Care: Ownership & Guardianship . 4 March 2009 . National Monuments Service . Ireland . 12 May 2021 .
3. Web site: IMG_2198. 28 June 2011.
4. Book: Toal, Caroline. North Kerry archaeological survey. 15 December 1995. Brandon. 9780863221866. Google Books.
5. Book: Early Medieval Munster: Archaeology, History and Society. Michael A.. Monk. John. Sheehan. 31 August 1998. Cork University Press. 9781859181072. Google Books.
6. Web site: The Antiquaries Journal. 31 August 2017. Oxford University Press. Google Books.
7. Web site: Archived copy . 31 August 2017 . 1 September 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170901022559/http://www.northkerryheritagetrails.ie/Self_Drive_Tours_files/Brochure%20Final%202013.pdf . dead .
8. Web site: KILLAHAN. homepage.tinet.ie.
9. Web site: The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. 31 August 2017. The Society. Google Books.
10. Book: Barrington, T. J.. Discovering Kerry: Its History, Heritage & Topography. 31 August 1999. Collins Press. 9781898256717. Google Books.
11. Web site: Undecorated Crosses - Irish High Crosses - Barney McLaughlin. Barney. McLaughlin. irishhighcrosses.com.