Although very old, this cross is not one of the ancient high crosses of Ireland.
It does, however, echo the shape and design of those magnificent ancient
monuments. The Harp Cross is located among the ruins of the Quin Friary and is
approximately 11 feet high. Quin was founded as a Franciscan Friary in 1433. It
was built in the ruins of a much older anglo-Norman castle. In 1541, King Henry
VII dissolved the friary in his campaign to control the wealth and power of the
church. Carved into the face of the cross is an Irish harp and scores of
shamrocks. Both have become famous symbols of Ireland. The harp figures into
many of the old Irish myths. The shamrock is from a legend about St. Patrick
that says he used a shamrock with its three leaves to explain the Trinity, the
triple nature of God.
