Examine the Baylin High Cross from the comfort of your home

Locals and heritage enthusiasts can get up close and personal with an 8th century high cross in South Westmeath, without leaving their chair.

Bealin High Cross is located on private land in Twyford.

Ahead of National Heritage Week, Westmeath Heritage and Digital Heritage Age have teamed up to provide a virtual tour of this remarkable 8th century cross.

An interactive digital model allows you to view the carvings in detail and provides an explanation of the decorative panels on the cross.

This model was created from a laser survey carried out by Digital Heritage Age, with support from Westmeath County Council.

Interestingly, the Bealin High Cross is not in its original location. It formally stood beside a holy well in the Twyford estate, but it is thought that it may originally have come from Clonmacnoise. This is because an inscription on the west face may refer to an abbot of Clonmacnoise: ‘Oroit Ar Tuathgail Las Dernath In Chrossa’, a prayer for tuathgail who had this cross made.

Check out the digital tour HERE