Castledermot Cross
West Face, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
This granite cross is found in the Church of Ireland churchyard in the town of
Castledermot, Ireland. The church goes back to the 12th and 13th centuries;
beside the church stands a Round Tower. The 10 foot tall cross was probably
erected in the 9th century at the Dirert Diamada monastery founded in 812. Monks
are thought to have used the scenes like a picture book to teach about Christ.
The scenes from bottom upwards:
1. Three figures, Emmaus.
2. Temptation of St. Anthony.
3. Daniel in the Lion's Den.
Center: Eve handing the apple to Adam in the Garden of Eden bringing about the
Fall of Man.
Left of Center: David the Psalmist playing his harp.
Right of Center: Sacrifice of Isaac.
Top Panel: Fall of Simon Magus.
