Wayside cross

Balrath Cross

Ireland Athboy national monument of Ireland
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Balrath Cross
Balrath Cross · Wikipedia

About

Balrath Cross is a wayside cross and National Monument located in County Meath, Ireland.

The cross is believed to have been carved in the late 16th century. It was re-erected in 1727 by the Aylmer family of Balrath. Around 2014 it was moved to accommodate the widening of the N2 road.

A stone cross 182 cm (6 ft 0 in) tall. The arms span 58 cm (1 ft 11 in), and the shaft is 28 cm × 23 cm (11 in × 9 in) at its base.

The east face contains a Pietà and a Latin inscription ( ORATEPAIA JOHANIB ROIN, a shortening of Orate pro anima Johanis Broin, "pray for the soul of John Broin"). The west face shows a crucifixion scene.

There is an inscription on it saying Sir Andrew Aylmer of Mountaylmer Bart and his Lady Catherine Aylmer had this cross beautified A. D. 1727.