The Fahan Mura Cross is located in a graveyard of a ruined church, beside the
road from Letterkenny to Buncarna, and was the site of a monastery founded by
St. Colmcille for his disciple St. Mura. This early 7th century cross-slab is 6
1/2 feet and demonstrates a close connection with Scotland, where the shape is
more common. The intertwined ribbon knotwork is thought to represent the Tree of
Life and the five circles symbolizing fruit. The Tree of Life with its roots on
the earth and its branches high in the air symbolized a connection between
heaven and earth. The seasonal cycles of the tree links it with growth, death,
and rebirth.
