The beautifully carved high crosses of early Christian times are unique to Ireland and Britain and are famous throughout Europe. The finest of them are the Scripture Crosses which tell the Bible story in a series of detailed panels. The fullest series of scenes is on the tall cross at Ardboe in Tyrone, on the west shore of Lough Neagh, not far from Coagh. The cross at Ardboe is unusually tall, standing some 5.6 meters high. It is profusely decorated with abstract designs and a series of figure sculptures which are treated with exceptional detail and fullness. The balance between form and decoration, between ornament and narrative, and the delicate execution of the abstract design, contrasting with the robust and lively realism of the figure sculpture, combine to set this cross amongst the most distinguished of Irish monuments. The East face is distinct. It features Daniel between two rampant lions, the Sacrifice of Isaac, the Children in the Fiery Furnace, Adam and Eve, two souls in scales above the flames of Hell, The Twelve Apostles surrounding Christ in Judgment. The South face features Old Testament scenes including Cain and Abel, and the life of David, including David with an open sling before Goliath on his knees. The North face displays New Testament scenes, including the Baptism of Christ and the Massacre of the Innocents. The West face also features New Testament scenes, including the Adoration of the Magi, the Last Supper, Christ entering Jerusalem, the Arrest of Christ and the Crucifixion. This cross is one of the most beautifully sited of all the High Crosses of Ireland. It is approached by a narrow road where it stands majestic, overlooking the ruins of a church and beside a graveyard which runs down to the shores of Lough Neagh. There is also a ‘wishing tree’ nearby. It is easy to imagine the celebrations that took place here on the day this great cross was completed.

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