County Clare

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Dysert O'Dea

County Clare

St Tola founded a monastery here in the 7/8C. The existing church, with a beautiful Romanesque door, and Round Tower dates from 12C. There is a famous High Cross of the same date in the adjacent field. On it is Christ wearing a long, sleeved tunic with belt above a bishop with mitre and crozier, possibly St Tola. This symbolises the authority of Christ exercised in the church in the person of his saint/bishop.

There is also an ancient small cross in the graveyard. OS: 57 282 848 marked

On the map many Holy Wells are marked indicating the route pilgrims took across the countryside to get to Dysert O’Dea

See also:

Christ above St Tola (1) Christ above St Tola (2) Christ above St Tola (3) Church from outside Church interior (1) Church interior (2) Church and Round Tower Cross rear view Graveyard Cross Romanesque doorway
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