How about a journey back to the 12th century? We are standing before the Fassaroe Cross. This high cross is not just any stone. It is a National Monument located near Bray in County Wicklow.
The Fassaroe Cross is also known as St. Valery’s Cross. It whispers tales of ancient Ireland. Imagine pilgrims once travelled miles to reach this very spot. They wore paths into the earth with their devotion.
Originally, the Fassaroe Cross stood at Ballyman. That is about 1.6 km northwest of where we stand now. It is believed that it was carved in the late 12th century. Other crosses in the Rathdown area share a similar style. These are at Rathmichael, Killegar, and Shankill. They are collectively known as the Fassaroe crosses. It is thought that the same mason carved them all.
English writer Anne Plumptre visited here in the early 19th century. She learned the cross had been moved from a glen to Fassaroe. It once stood in a little paddock surrounded by a plantation.
Look closely at the Fassaroe Cross. It is made of granite. A diagonal band of quartz runs through it. The cross stands 1.42 meters tall and is 16 cm wide.
The west face shows a crucifixion scene. The east face features two worn human heads. Both are bearded. One might even be wearing a mitre. There are two other heads as well. One protrudes from the south edge of the ring. Another sits on the northeastern side of the base.
The Fassaroe Cross is more than just stone. It is a link to our past. It connects us to the faith and artistry of medieval Ireland. It reminds us of the pilgrims who once sought solace here. It stands as a testament to time and belief.