Early Christian Ireland monasteries made works of art to honour their god and show the monasteries importance.
Two of the most beautiful high crosses in Ireland are the Cross of the Scriptures and Muiredach’s cross.
A manuscript is a book written by hand. The monks who did this work were called scribes. Manuscripts were written in scriptoriums.
Manuscripts contained the Gospels and the Psalms. The were written in Latin and decorated with Celtic patterns. Monks used quills as pens.
Chalices- Ardagh Chalice and the Derrynaflan ChaliceThe bell of St Patrick and it’s ShrineThe cross of Cong
Stone masonry was very important in Early Christian Ireland. Gifted stone mason monks carved what we call high crosses.
A high cross is a free-standing stone cross, usually with elaborate carvings showing biblical scenes. Most of the people at the time couldn’t read or write, so these scenes helped to teach bible stories.
Irish monks were very skilled craftsmen and created beautiful metalwork pieces. These included chalices, brooches, bells, cups and belts.