Article:

N52 Tullamore Bypass- Commemorative Artistic Feature

Posted By: Serena O'Connor - 11 Dec 2009

In early Christian times, what is now County Offaly, was at the juncture of the four provinces of Connaught, Munster, Meath and Leinster. It held an important strategic position, resulting in the establishment and patronage of a significant number of monasteries.

These well endowed monasteries produced internationally famous artwork, the High Crosses, graveslabs, Book of Durrow, and ornate metal work. They show the prestige and quality of craftsmen working at these sites. Durrow Monastic Site is close to the northern end of the Bypass with Lynally Monastic site at the southern end.

N52 Tullamore Bypass Artistic Feature

The artist Maurice Harron has set out to ‘make visible the huge cultural contribution made over the centuries by these foundations.’ His four impressive figures present symbols of learning and sanctity. Approaching the figures from the north, the first holds up a chalice, the second a book, the third a crosier and the fourth shows the release of a flock of birds / souls. The features are located on esker ridges. Eskers are long understood to have been used as communication routes between ancient sites.

N52 Tullamore Bypass Artistic feature 2

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