Monasterboice

Monasterboice is an early Christian monastic site in County Louth, Ireland, about 8 km north of Drogheda and close to the M1 motorway. St Buite founded the monastery in the 5th or 6th century. Nothing of the original monastery survives; the remains date from the 10th century, including two churches.

The site is famous for its high crosses and its round tower. Muiredach's High Cross at the entrance is a monolith about 5 m high; according to Lonely Planet its west face shows New Testament scenes including the Crucifixion. The West Cross beside the round tower, at 6.5 to 7 m, is one of Ireland's tallest high crosses but badly weathered; only about a dozen of its roughly 50 panels are still legible. The round tower is over 30 m high and lacks its cap; its entrance is about 2 m above the ground, and the tower is closed to visitors.

Practical details: come early or late in the day for fewer crowds; the plainer north-eastern cross looks especially good in evening light. According to Drogheda Tourism the grounds are accessible around the clock; in June, July and August a local guiding service offers tours (check in advance).