There are many examples of religious art in Ireland, from medieval times right up to today. High crosses are the earliest examples of religious art in Ireland. Some of them show scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth.
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth. The brooches worn by all three figures are typical of contemporary Irish jewellery.
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton UniversityDetail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth.
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton University
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton University
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth.
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth. The brooches worn by all three figures are typical of contemporary Irish jewellery.
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton University
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb. Detail of a scene showing the betrayal of Christ. This is very similar to a number of carvings found on alabaster altar pieces made in England during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and is probably a copy of one, that perhaps once decorated the altar at Ennis.
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb. Detail of a scene showing the betrayal of Christ. This is very similar to a number of carvings found on alabaster altar pieces made in England during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and is probably a copy of one, that perhaps once decorated the altar at Ennis.
Ireland is famous for its illuminated manuscripts. These are religious books that were written out by monks in medieval monasteries. They are written in beautiful calligraphy and decorated with Celtic designs, such as spirals, plants and animals. They are called 'illuminated' manuscripts because gold and silver were used in the decoration.
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Board of Trinity College DublinBook of Durrow fol. 3V
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Book of Kells fol. 29r
Book of Kells detail of fol 29r showing interlaced snakes and peacocks in roundels surrounded by spirals.
Board of Trinity College DublinBook of Kells fol. 29r
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Book of Kells fol. 29r
Book of Kells detail of fol 29r showing interlaced snakes and peacocks in roundels surrounded by spirals.
Board of Trinity College Dublin
The most famous illuminated manuscripts are:
- The Cathach of St. Columba
- The Book of Durrow
- The Book of Kells
Even the outside clasps of these manuscripts were made with precious metals and gems.
Later, during the 19th century, the Catholic Church was an important patron of art. Artists were hired to decorate new churches and design stained glass windows and priest's dress (known as 'chausables').