Half a mile south of Ferbane, Ireland is the site of a 5th century priory with a
collection of 8th to 11th century grave slabs preserved in the modern priory.
Close by is the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, bounds the western
edge of Co. Offaly. First settled almost 9000 years ago, West Offaly is rich in
prehistoric treasures. The Gallen Priory cross is the gravestone of a monk. Four
serpents, whose tails wind into a spiral, appear to be attacking the human
heads. The person on the shaft appears to be struggling with the serpent or
dragon. The head, long considered the seat of thought and of consciousness,
struggling with temptation, suggesting the inner struggle of the soul as it
strives after the Christian ideal.
