Moone: High Cross and Trip Planning

Moone High Cross is a notable landmark for a stay in Moone. If you are looking for a hotel for your visit, the High Cross, its history and directions to the monument offer concrete starting points for planning your trip. If your trip includes other places in County Kildare, you can add more destinations in the region.

Moone High Cross: History and Design

Moone High Cross is a state-owned National Monument managed by the Office of Public Works. According to tradition, it dates from the 8th century. At 5.4 metres tall, it is one of Ireland’s best-preserved high crosses. Its decorations combine Celtic patterns with biblical scenes. At this same monument, you can encounter a traditional date of origin, a specific measurement and two distinct visual worlds.

The discovery of the fragments offers another perspective on the monument: two pieces were found in 1835, and a third about sixty years later. The cross was reconstructed after these discoveries. The traditional dating to the 8th century and the later discoveries relate to different periods in its history. This makes it possible to distinguish its original dating and rediscovery as connected, but not simultaneous, milestones.

Visiting and Getting Your Bearings in Moone

There are no guided tours at Moone High Cross; caution is required throughout your visit. Plan your visit independently and follow the caution notices at all times. As visiting conditions may change, check the latest notices before setting off.

To get there, travel south on the N9 towards Carlow and follow the signs to Moone. Continue through Moone Village until you reach the signs for the High Cross, where you turn off. Check the local signs as part of your planning.

The historic buildings around Moone offer another point of interest: a medieval tower house stands on the grounds of Moone Abbey, near the abbey ruins. Moone Village also has a playground and an outdoor gym. The tower house and the village facilities add different points of interest to your visit.

The Kildare Monastic Trail runs through County Kildare and connects historic religious sites, high crosses and round towers. Moone High Cross is a stop on the trail before Old Kilcullen. This means you can visit the cross on its own or place it in the wider county context of the trail. Check route details before setting off, as they may change.

More Trip Ideas in County Kildare

Other destinations in County Kildare include Donadea Forest Park. The Lake Walk is a 0.8-kilometre circular route, takes about 30 minutes and is accessible to everyone. There are also three permanent orienteering courses: a short course of 1.8 kilometres, a medium course of 3.4 kilometres and a long course of 4.6 kilometres. This gives you a choice between a walk with an approximate duration provided and three routes of different lengths.

Another point of interest is Castletown House in Celbridge, County Kildare. The house is set in 18th-century parkland on the banks of the Liffey and houses a significant collection of paintings, furnishings and works of art. The parklands are open year-round from 07:00 to 22:00; check the latest visiting conditions before planning your visit. The history of the park and its collection provide a different focus from the high crosses and religious sites in Moone and along the Kildare Monastic Trail.

Discover more destinations: Calverstown, Kilcullen, Droichead Nua, Clane, Kildangan, Naas, Moyvally, Athy.

For the broader travel overview: County Kildare.