Mainistir na Croiche

Mainistir na Croiche—'Monastery of the Cross'—derives its English name Holycross from this etymological meaning, referring to a sacred Christian relic housed at the site. The Irish placename accurately reflects the monastery's historical identity as a custodian of venerated relics. Holycross Abbey was founded between 1169 and 1180 by King Donal O'Brien of Thomond, a Cistercian monastery positio...