Monasterboice (Mainistir Bhuithe)

The Basics

To visit Monasterboice, which is less than an hour’s drive from Dublin, you can travel independently or join a Celtic history-themed day tour, which usually stops at Hill of Tara, the seat of Ireland’s ancient high kings; Newgrange passage tomb; and one or more castles in the area, such as the Norman-era Trim Castle and the late 18th-century Slane Castle. Some multi-day tours from Dublin to Northern Ireland include the Monasterboice site.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Monasterboice is a must for history enthusiasts.

• Entrance is free, though donations—which go toward site upkeep—are welcome.

• There are restrooms and a parking lot at the site.

• Monasterboice is wheelchair accessible via level, gravel paths.

How to Get There

Monasterboice is situated in County Louth, about 5 miles (9 kilometers) northwest of the town of Drogheda. The best way to arrive is by car (bring a map as GPS may be spotty) or as part of an organized tour with included transportation.

When to Get There

Despite the historical significance and artistry of the high crosses, Monasterboice does not attract large crowds. To see the site at its most tranquil, come in early morning or late afternoon.

The Highlights of Monasterboice

The stone tower, where Christian monks hid during Viking attacks, is one highlight. Of the Celtic crosses, the most famous is Muiredach’s High Cross, also known as the South Cross. Standing 18 feet (5.5. meters) tall, it is one of the country’s finest examples of early medieval sculpture, with intricate depictions of biblical tales carved onto it, including that of the crucifixion. The cross is thought to have been once brightly painted, though no color remains.