Killamery High Cross

In the old graveyard of Killamery, on the site of a monastery said to have been founded by St Gobán Fionn in the early seventh century, stands one of the finest carved crosses of ninth-century Ireland, known as the Snake-Dragon Cross. Its east face carries three marigold designs and a central boss ringed by intertwining serpents beneath an open-mouthed dragon, while the west face shows a stag hunt, a chariot procession and scenes OPW reads as the Seventh Day with Adam and Eve; Noah's Ark and the life of John the Baptist fill the arms. An inscription asks a prayer for Maelsechnaill, High King of Ireland from 846 to 862. Two cross-slabs, a stone cross, two bullaun stones, the remains of the early church and the holy well of St Nicholas share the site. Reviewers count it among the Ossory crosses with Ahenny and Kilree, and advise reading the plaque, as the carvings are faint, and wearing sturdy shoes for the uneven path up from the lane.