Beyond the Pale
Photo Gallery - Ireland 2016
Monasterboice was founded in the late 5th century by St. Buite and is well known for the round tower and high crosses at the site, which date to the 10th century.
The round tower at Monasterboice dates to the 10th century. Records show that the tower was burned in 1097.
Martha and Molly at the base of one of the high crosses at Monasterboice
A poignant grave marker in the Monasterboice cemetery. The inscription says the stone was erected by Thomas Gregory of New York in memory of his parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters, who died in various places around the globe (New York, Louisiana, Africa, West Indies, and in Ireland.)
The north cross at Monasterboice. The shaft of the cross was damaged and replaced at some stage, but the original shaft stands nearby.
It was Trinity Sunday, a traditional day for grooming gravesites. Here, a father trims the hedge at a gravesite while his young son (playing on the grave) keeps him company and chats.
The round tower at Monasterboice, about 1,000 years old.
Round tower at Monasterboice
Annis stands beside the north cross at Monasterboice.
Lichen growth on one of the stone monuments at Monasterboice. Photo by Martha Clark.
The resting place of Shane Whelan (Wheela) at Monasterboice (no known relation.) His grave is a football (soccer) field, and he died at the age of 29 years.
In the background is Muiredach's Cross at Monasterboice, one of the best preserved high crosses in the country.
Muiredach's Cross at Monasterboice.
The Tall Cross or West Cross at Monasterboice, at 7 meters in height, is the tallest ancient cross in Ireland.
Martha stands beside the Tall Cross or West Cross at Monasterboice.
A plaque on the stone wall of the cemetery at Monasterboice remembers those who died during the Great Famine.