Ahenny North Cross

North of Carrick-on-Suir, on the boundary between Kilkenny county and Tipperary county, are two places with notable high crosses, Kilkeeran (5mi/8km) and Ahenny (6mi/10km).

In the churchyard of Ahenny are two particularly fine crosses (both National Monuments), with figural decoration only on the bases. The North Cross has figures of monks carrying crosses, a headless man on a pony, other horsemen and horses, a procession of seven ecclesiastics carrying crosiers and various animals. The base of the South Cross is badly weathered.

The crosses themselves are covered with finely carved geometric designs (spirals, interlace work, rosettes). The patterns are so similar to those in "The Book of Kells" that they are assumed to date from the eighth century.