1797 Engraving Monasterboice Church Louth

1797 Antique Print a copper plate engraving of Monasterboice Church in County Louth.

The prints are part of a larger set on Ireland, published by Hooper & Wigstead in London. After drawings by Francis Grose, dated 1794, the print was not published until 1797

Prints is in very good condition for age, light markings, foxing.

Print area is 7 by 5 inches, paper area 10 1/2 by 8 inches.

Monasterboice (Mainistir Bhuithe) is an early Christian monastic site founded in the late 5th century by St. Buithe, a follower of St. Patrick. Located near Drogheda in County Louth, the settlement grew into a major ecclesiastical and cultural center of learning throughout the early Middle Ages.

The site is famed for its collection of 10th-century high crosses, most notably Muiredach’s High Cross, which stands over 17 feet tall and features intricate biblical carvings representing some of the finest surviving examples of Insular relief sculpture in Europe. Monasterboice also features a well-preserved 110-foot round tower, constructed in the 10th century as a belfry and refuge during Viking raids, alongside the ruins of two medieval churches built between the 10th and 14th centuries.

Following the rise of the nearby Cistercian foundation at Mellifont Abbey in 1142, Monasterboice declined in prominence. This antique print captures the iconic round tower, ancient crosses, and historic church ruins of this seminal early Irish monastic settlement.

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