The Cross of Cong is a processional cross made in County Roscommon, Ireland in the early 12th c. by a goldsmith named Mael Isu Bratain Ui Echach. An inscription indicates it was made for Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, King of Connaught, who became the High King of Ireland in 1120.
Meant to be mounted at the top of a staff, the cross is made of oak covered with decorations made of bronze, brass, copper, silver, gold, glass, enamel, and niello. Filigree decorations have elements common with other contemporary examples of Insular art from Ireland, but also show Norse and continental influences. At the center was a relic ostensibly from the True Cross, though this has disappeared over time.
Sometime after its creation, the cross was placed at Cong Abbey in County Mayo, where it obtained its name. Today, it is on display in Dublin at the National Museum – Archaeology.
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