Ard Chros Naomh Moling

As you walk around the back of the heritage center you come to some old stone steps as shown in the previous post on the Heritage Center, which lead you to the rear of Teampaill Mor. Here you will see what remains of An Ard Chros Naomh Moling or St. Mullins High Cross. This cross belongs to a group of crosses known as the Barrow Valley Group, which includes those at Moone, the North Cross & South Cross at Castledermot, Ullard and Graiguenamanagh. This high cross is sculpted from granite and is believed to date from the 9^th or 10^th century. Standing at 1.3m part of the shaft, and one of the arms of the cross have been broken off. The original cross would have been much taller. The rear of the cross is also badly damaged, but you can still make out a celtic cross type engraving. The base of the cross is cylinder shaped and has interlocking spirals decorated on one side. On the east face of the cross head there is a depiction of the crucifiction of Jesus. The figures shown above, below and to the side of him have not identified.

A small pocket gospel book known as the Book of moling is preserved in #trinity College, Dublin. Moling is mentioned in the text as the scribe, but it is believed that the book was not made until at least a century after his death. Shown in it is a simplified plan of the monastery, showing eight crossed dedicated to the prophets of the old testament.

 

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