High Crosses Clonmacnoise is one of the few remaining places in Ireland to view the High Celtic Crosses in very good condition. In Clonmacnoise there are four High Crosses. Fronting the western door of the Cathedral stands one the most famous existing High Crosses in the country. It was erected by the Abbot Colman in memery of his close friend Flann, the High King, who died in 914. It is believed o be the working of a celebrated sculptor whose craftmanship was unequalled at the time, although his mane has not been recorded with certainty. Cautious references suggest that this genius may have been Turcan who is also credited with many of the wonderfully executed memorial slabs. Flann's Cross is frequently mentioned as "The Cross of the Scriptures" because of its wealth of scriptural carvings.
It bears the inscription: "OR DO FLAND MAC MAELSECHLAIND," "A prayer for Fland, son of Maelsechlain." The North and South Crosses are made from quartzose sandstone found at the foot of the Bernagh mountains near Lough Derg. The stone used in this craftwork was transported by boat up the lough and the river Shannon to the site. Both crosses and some of the other invaluable stonework are now housed in a beautifully constructed heritage centre designed to resemble crannogs. These were the living quarters in ancient celtic settlements and were circular in construction. The preservation work is currently being carried on by Duchas - the National Heritage Service and Clonmacnoise would rank as one of Ireland's most spectacular and well preserved monasteries.
	The South Cross, though dated earlier then the 13ft cross f the Scriptures, is likewise of sandstone. with the exception of the clearly defined scene of the Crucifixion on the shaft the design involves a pattern of boses and spirals with the yypical interacings. It is in traditional Celtic form with ringed top and substantial base. The North Cross, within sight of O' Rourkes Tower, dates from the 9th century. It has decorations on three sides and has begun to show signs of its long centuries of exposure to our fickle weather.