Monasterboice or Mainistir Bhuithe

The historic ruins of Monasterboice, or Mainistir Bhuithe in Irish, are of an early Christian settlement in Couty Louth in northern Ireland. It was founded in the late 5th century by Saint Buithe who died around 521. It was an important center of religion and learning until 1142.

The site houses two churches built in the 14th century or later and an earlier round town. However, it is most famous for its 10th century high crosses. Muiredach's High Cross is regarded as the finest high cross in the whole of Ireland. It is named after an abbot, Muiredach mac Domhnaill, who died in 923 and features biblical carvings of both the Old and New Testaments. It has been described as the most beautiful specimen of Celtic stonework now in existence and the crosses at Monasterboice have been stated to be Ireland's greatest contribution to European sculpture.