![ireland](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/ireland.jpg?w=300)
![Spire Restaurant in Duleek](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/duleek-cross2.jpg?w=300)
![duleek cross3](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/duleek-cross3.jpg?w=300)
![Cross is at an old church that's converted to the Spire Restaurant in Duleek](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/2005-h41.jpg?w=196)
This may be a High Cross. I didn’t see a grave. According to Bernd Biege,
“High Crosses were used to mark a sacred space and declare adherence to the Christian beliefs. Basically it’s a sign saying “Here be Christians!”, but also “This is hallowed ground, keep its peace!”
High crosses were also used as a focal point of celebrations – out of necessity one might say. The classic layout of the early monastic settlements included a church, a cross and (if funds permitted) a round tower – the latter’s door oriented towards the first’s entrance, with the cross in the middle. And the church was usually too small for even a modest congregation. Which meant that the huddled masses had to attend mass al fresco. Gathered around the cross.
But not all High Crosses were of an ecclesiastical nature – some seem to have been connected to territorial rights, marking a market place for instance. Others were erected to commemorate an important event or person.
The only use High Crosses were not put to was … as an actual grave marker.”
![Loughcrew](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/index-38.jpg?w=300)
![Loughcrew](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/cap0098.jpg?w=300)
![005_2](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/005_2.jpg?w=300)
![The Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny) atop the Hill of Tara, County Meath](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/heartl6.jpg?w=300)
![006_3](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/006_3.jpg?w=300)
![Hill of Tara - Mound of Hostages](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/cap0045.jpg?w=300)
![New Grange2](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/new-grange2.jpg?w=300)
![2005.h40](http://joyoustimesdotorg.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/2005-h401.jpg?w=300)
0r2mj9
Very interesting subject, regards for posting.Blog monetyze