Gallen Priory Cross

Gallen Priory Cross.

Half a mile south of Ferbane, Ireland is the site of a 5th century priory with a collection of 8th to 11th century grave slabs preserved in the modern priory. Close by the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, bounds the western edge of Co. Offaly. First settled almost 9000 years ago, West Offaly is rich in prehistoric treasures. The Gallen Priory cross is a gravestone of a monk. Four serpents, whose tales wind into a spiral, appear to be attacking the human heads. The person on the shaft appears to be struggling with the serpent or dragon. The head, long considered the seat of thought and consciousness, struggling with temptation, suggesting the inner struggle of the soul as it strives after the Christian ideal.

From: Co. Offaly, Ireland

Due to the hand casting and proprietary staining process, each of my plaques is unique. Each cross comes with a hanger embedded in the stone. The cross comes with a descriptive tag describing the original stone, explanation of the design or information on where the cross is located.

Handmade products – Images may vary slightly from actual products.