This lecture marks the 900^th anniversary of the creation of the Cross of Cong, one of Ireland's most iconic treasures. It was commissioned in 1123 by the high king of Ireland, Turlough O'Connor, to enshrine a relic of the True Cross. One of the most important reliquaries in medieval Ireland, it was made in Roscommon, probably for Tuam, and was later preserved at the abbey of Cong, Co. Mayo. This lecture will explore the origins of the cross, its art and archaeology in the context of what was happening in Ireland nine centuries ago.

Dr Griffin Murray is a Lecturer in Archaeology and Museum Studies at University College Cork and is a specialist in Irish medieval church metalwork. He is the author of The Cross of Cong: A Masterpiece of Medieval Irish Art (2014) and of St Manchan's shrine: Art and Devotion in Twelfth-Century Ireland (with K. O'Dwyer, 2022). 

To book a place for the live broadcast of this lecture and Q&A, please visit Eventbrite

This is a closed YouTube live event with this pre-recorded lecture and a live Q&A. Please note the entire event will be recorded and posted online at a later stage. Booked attendees will receive a link closer to the event to view the lecture on YouTube. Please use the 'chat' feature on YouTube to ask any questions about the lecture and these will be answered live at the end of the talk. If you would like to post a question, please be aware, you will need to have a YouTube account.

For more information, please see museum.ie or email educationarch@museum.ie