The Monasterboice (Irish: Mainistir Bhuithe) ruins are the remains of an early Christian monastery in County Louth, Ireland, north of Drogheda. These ruins are a national monument of Ireland and are named after the local village and the civil parish that share the same name.

Name

The name Monasterboice comes from a mix of English and Irish. The Irish name is Mainistir Bhuithe, which means "monastery of Buithe." It was once spelled Monasterboye and Monasterboyse. The word "Boice" is the English version of the Latin name Boecius, which was used to represent the Irish name Buithe.

History

The monastery was built in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe (or Buite), who died around 521. Poet and historian Flann Mainistrech, also known as Flann of Monasterboice, worked as a teacher here. Not much is known about the monastery except for a list of abbots from 759 to 1122. The monastery became abandoned after the nearby Cistercian Mellifont Abbey was built in 1142. A local church was used at the site by the 13th century.

Description

The site contains the ruins of two churches built in the 14th century or later and an earlier round tower. However, it is most well-known for its high crosses. The round tower is approximately 28 meters tall and is in excellent condition. It was likely built shortly after the year 968 and damaged by fire in 1098. Three high crosses, dating from the 10th century, are part of the scriptural group, which shows scenes from religious stories in the Bible.

The 5.5-meter Muiredach's High Cross is considered the most beautiful high cross in Ireland. It is named after an abbot, Muiredach mac Domhnaill, who died in 923. The cross has carvings from both the Old Testament (like Adam and Eve) and the New Testament (like the Adoration of the Magi). The North and West crosses are also important examples of this type of structure, but they have been more damaged by weather over time. A copy of the main cross is displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Today

The property is owned by the National Monuments Service and is open to the public for visits.

Burials in the graveyard near the ruins still happen today.