Stories from Old St Canice’s: The Nethercross

Professor Roger Stalley discusses the history and significance of this iconic Finglas landmark

In this episode Professor Roger Stalley discusses the history and context of the Nethercross, while Dr Jason Bolton describes the unique challenges to preserve and protect this important landmark.

Welcome to Old St Canice’s Church and Graveyard in Finglas, Dublin. Today St Canice’s, locally referred to as the abbey, offers a leafy, tranquil space at the historic heart of Finglas village. It was first established as a monastery in the 6th century by St Canice, who is perhaps better known as the founder of Kilkenny, the site today consists of a ruined stone church and an unusual High Cross set in a graveyard sheltered from the outside world by trees.

This sheltered spot has a whole host of stories to tell. This special limited podcast series will explore these stories in depth. Archaeologist Neil Jackman, will be joined by leading experts, specialists and the local community who discuss the site and its importance, and the challenges to preserve this significant local landmark for future generations.

In this first episode of the Stories of Old St Canice’s, we join Professor Roger Stalley on site at Old St Canice’s to discuss the Nethercross – a tall, pale cross standing out against the tree canopy in the shady, quiet graveyard of St Canice’s. This early medieval high cross is a much-loved landmark in Finglas and it dates to the 9th or 10th century. It is one of the most important monuments in the graveyard as it is one of only almost three hundred stone high crosses that are still standing in the country. Professor Stalley discusses the importance of the cross, who may have crafted it and why as well as discussing how it was crafted. He delves into the world of early medieval Ireland to help to bring this important piece of Finglas’ history to life. 

We are also joined on this episode by Dr Jason Bolton who works in the field of architectural conservation. Jason talks to us about the conservation of stone monuments, the different types of risks they face and how we can manage those risks. He also discusses the present condition of the Nethercross and the steps that Dublin City Council are taking to help to protect it for future generations so the Nethercross can continue to be an important landmark in Finglas.

STORIES FROM OLD ST CANICE’S PODCAST

STORIES FROM OLD ST CANICE’S PODCAST

Title: Part 1: The Nethercross

Duration: 1 hour

Summary:

In this episode Professor Roger Stalley discusses the history and context of the Nethercross, while Dr Jason Bolton describes the unique challenges to preserve and protect this important landmark.

Island Pilgrimage – Key Discussion Points

You can find out more information about St Canice’s and its history on our interactive Story Map here.

This podcast was created by Abarta Heritage and Dublin City Council, and funded by Community Monuments Fund 2024 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The Stories from Old St Canice’s Podcast is also available on

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Episode 33 with Dr Daniel Curley et al

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