Blackrock Cross

Another cross with similar stylistic features is the one in Blackrock. This cross measures 76cm by 61 cm and is regarded as one of the oldest of these crosses. It was thicker than the other crosses and features a human head on one side, with a motif on the other side. The cross is dated as being approximately from the eighth or ninth century and has been linked to the Celtic foundation in Monkstown associated with St. Mochanna.

Blackrock Cross (then)
Image acquired from the Collectors' Shop, Blackrock

It belonged to the inter-related Cheevers and Byrne families and was used as a boundary marking the city jurisdiction limits. There was a custom maintained whereby all funeral procession passed by the cross.

In 1865 there was controversy over whether to remove the cross completely. Local people rallied to the cause and the cross remains today in the centre of Blackrock.

Blackrock Cross

Crosses were not being erected after the twelfth century. However their remains are important indicating sacred sites and lands of the church. It was during the twelfth century that the church was reorganised into dioceses and the crosses often depicted bishops and saints, to celebrate this development.