This cross is quite amazing. The effigy is very odd and definitely very old. It depicts a figure with arms held in front of its body with the hands clasped hiding the genitals.
The figure seems quite portly. The cross itself is just 1m tall and seems to stand in front of either a well or now open grave, probably the former.
Due to insurance issues it is now necessary to get written permission to visit this cross: a man was recent hit by a golf ball while visiting the cross! Hope he's alright ...
The overcast light today really showed off the figure on the slab today. The well behind it is getting rather overgrown now.
From Kiltiernan head north along the R117 towards Stepaside. When you reach the Stepaside Public Golf Course driving range on the left turn right into the golf course proper.
Park in the car park and walk along the road way until you have a barn on the right and a ruined house in front of you. Walk over the little bridge to the house and turn right. Walk for about 50m until you can turn left across the 5th fairway. Cross this and turn immediately right and walk between the trees. You will see this diminuitive little cross about 100m in front of you.
This cross is dedicated to St. Caoin whose feast falls on May 1st, as does the feast of St. James. Over time the two got confused and St. James slowly took over eventually leading to the name of the area.
A Random Selection of Nearby Monuments
Killegar (Co. Dublin) | Knockcurreen (Co. Westmeath) | Kilbroney (Co. Down) |
Kildreenagh 2 (Co. Carlow) | Durrow - Cross Slabs (Co. Offaly) | Fassaroe (Co. Wicklow) |