Over eight feet tall it stands. Kilgobbin High Cross a weathered sentinel. This remarkable monument near Kilgobbin Church in Stepaside is more than just stone. It whispers tales of faith and folklore. It is a National Monument.
Kilgobbin High Cross dates back to the 10th century. Experts estimate its age based on the length of Jesus’s cloak. An ankle-length cloak is a key indicator. It was unearthed in 1800. This was during the construction of a new graveyard wall. Imagine the surprise of the workers. They were building a wall. Suddenly they uncovered a piece of history.
The cross isn’t just perched on the ground. It’s set into an even older bullaun stone. This ancient stone predates the cross itself. This suggests a history extending back hundreds of years. Before Christianity arrived in Ireland. Bullaun stones held a special significance. Local folklore associated them with magic. People believed that rainwater collected in their hollows had healing powers.
The name Kilgobbin itself is intriguing. It’s believed to be named after Saint Gobban. He was a 6th-century saint. Gobban was reputedly the master architect of churches in Ireland. This adds another layer to the site’s rich history. The area has seen centuries of change. It has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. The Kilgobbin High Cross stands as a testament to this enduring history.
Sadly the cross is damaged. The southern arm and adjoining ring are broken. Despite the damage the cross remains impressive. It’s a powerful reminder of Ireland’s rich heritage. A symbol of faith and resilience. It has survived centuries of changes and challenges.
Near the cross stands Kilgobbin Church. Built in 1707 it’s the reputedly the first church built in Ireland after the Reformation. This proximity adds to the site’s historical significance. It demonstrates a continuity of religious practice. The church and the cross stand side by side. They represent a continuous thread of history. A story that is woven through the centuries.
So stand here. Absorb the history of Kilgobbin High Cross. Let its presence transport you back through time. To a world of faith and folklore. A world of healing stones and master architects. Remember the stories of the past. They are etched in stone. They are waiting to be discovered.