Market Cross (Cross of the Gate)
The Kells Market Cross, or Cross of the Gate, is the town’s most well-known and historically significant landmark. Dating back from the late 9th or early 10th century, this beautifully sculpted sandstone cross stands triumphantly outside Kells’ old Courthouse under a glass canopy to shield it from further erosion and deterioration. Despite its fragile state—having weathered over 1,100 years of history, including a bus hit in 1996—this cross remains a defiant witness to Kells’ storied past.
The Cross of the Gate originally stood at the gate at the eastern end of the ancient Kells Monastery, where people could seek sanctuary within the monastic wall. Its historical significance, coupled with its beautiful carvings, makes it an intriguing artifact of the early medieval era of Ireland. Its intricately detailed iconography depicts forceful biblical stories like the Fall of Man, Sacrifice of Isaac, Daniel among the lions’ den, the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes, and the Crucifixion. It even features remarkable images of desert ascetics St. Paul and St. Anthony on its arms—a survival unparalleled, nearly unprecedented in Irish high crosses.
The cross base, too, is beautiful with carvings of four horsemen bearing shields, hunting parties, birds, animals, centaurs, and even a battle. The rich iconography of the cross has continued to intrigue historians and art enthusiasts alike, with some panels still being interpreted. It’s believed that the same school of stonemasons that produced this cross was behind Durrow and Monasterboice high crosses.
The Market Cross has been moved on several occasions throughout its long history. Having previously been located at the entrance to the monastery, it was again relocated to the crossroads of Castle Street, John’s Street, and Market Street in 1688, centuries later to be hit by a school bus. Since 2001, it has rested in its current location outside the old courthouse, designated as a Millennium business.
The cross bears the scars of history, such as possible damage done to it by Oliver Cromwell’s army in the 1650s and local legend that claims it was used as a place of hanging for rebels after the rebellion of 1798. Despite its trials, the Market Cross stands today as a testament to Kells’ enduring legacy as one of Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited towns, prized for its monastic heritage and world-renowned Book of Kells.
A visit to Kells would not be complete without a stop to admire this incredible relic—a silent witness of a thousand years, calling up the spiritual and cultural richness of an earlier age.
Tel: +353 (0) 46 9247508
Email: kellscourthouse@discoverboynevalley.ie
Pick up your visitor’s map at the Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub!
