There are many examples of religious art in Ireland. High crosses are the earliest examples of this type of art in Ireland. Some of them show scenes from the Bible.
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth.
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth. The brooches worn by all three figures are typical of contemporary Irish jewellery.
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton UniversityDetail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth.
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton University
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton University
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth.
Detail of ‘Arrest’ scene, Muiredach’s cross, Monasterboice, Co. Louth. The brooches worn by all three figures are typical of contemporary Irish jewellery.
Courtesy of Professor Mary Ann Sullivan, Bluffton University
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb. Detail of a scene showing the betrayal of Christ. This is very similar to a number of carvings found on alabaster altar pieces made in England during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and is probably a copy of one, that perhaps once decorated the altar at Ennis.
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb
Ennis Friary, Creagh tomb. Detail of a scene showing the betrayal of Christ. This is very similar to a number of carvings found on alabaster altar pieces made in England during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and is probably a copy of one, that perhaps once decorated the altar at Ennis.
Ireland is famous for its beautiful medieval manuscripts, or books. These religious manuscripts were written out in artistic writing called 'calligraphy' by monks. They were decorated with Celtic designs, such as spirals, plants and animals. Gold and silver were also used in the decoration.
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Board of Trinity College DublinBook of Durrow fol. 3V
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Book of Durrow fol. 3V
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Book of Kells fol. 29r
Book of Kells detail of fol 29r showing interlaced snakes and peacocks in roundels surrounded by spirals.
Board of Trinity College DublinBook of Kells fol. 29r
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Board of Trinity College Dublin
Book of Kells fol. 29r
Book of Kells detail of fol 29r showing interlaced snakes and peacocks in roundels surrounded by spirals.
Board of Trinity College Dublin
The most famous religious manuscripts are:
- The Cathach of St. Columba
- The Book of Durrow
- The Book of Kells
Even the outside clasps of these manuscripts were made with precious metals and gems.
During the 19th century, artists did a lot of work for the Catholic Church. They were hired to decorate new churches. They designed stained glass windows and priests' dress.