I recently spotted what appeared to be remarkably modern looking haircuts in Albrecht Druer’s woodcut of 1521 AD[i]. This image shows a group of Irish soldiers[ii], most likely mercenaries, who were fighting on the European continent during the early 1520s. I soon discovered that, far from being unusual, this distinctive hairstyle was actually very popular […]
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Some Fantastic 19th century Photos of Irish Archaeology Sites
This fantastic collection of photos, which are taken from the archives of Victoria & Albert Museum, show a number of Irish archaeological sites as they appeared at the end of the 19th century/start of the 20th century. The majority of images were taken by Robert Welch who was a noted Belfast based photographer. […]
Dunbeg Fort, Dingle, Co. Kerry, in photos
Located on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dunbeg fort lies on the far western tip of the Dingle peninsula in Co. Kerry. This rather precarious position, although highly defensible, also leaves the fort susceptible to coastal erosion and a recent storm has caused considerable damage to the site. Unfortunately a section of the fort’s […]
The Helgo Treasure: A Viking Age Buddha
A remarkable collection of religious items sourced from diverse lands was discovered during archaeological excavations on the Swedish island of Helgo. Located in Lake Malaren, to the west of Stockholm, this small island was an important Viking trading and manufacturing centre (6th-11th centuries AD). It has produced an enormous collection of artefacts, including numerous exotic finds […]
16th century images of Irish people
A collection of images depicting 16th century Irish people. Although the majority of figures illustrated are soldiers and warriors, there are also some fine pictures of women, especially by the Flemish artist, Lucas d’Heere. ‘Irish as they stand accoutred being at the service of the late King Henry’, by Lucas d’Heere, circa 1575. Born in Ghent, […]
The Lismore Drinking-Horn Mount
This unusual and fantastical beast was discovered in Lismore, Co. Waterford during the 19th century. Fashioned out of bronze, it originally adorned the pointed end of a great drinking-horn. It probably dates from the 7th or 8th centuries AD and appears to depict a stylised bird. The mount measures approximately 9 cm in length and […]
Some Irish words with Norse Origins
The year 795 AD saw a new force arrive on the Irish political scene, the Vikings. These seaborne warriors were to have a significant impact on Irish life. Their attacks on religious centres and propensity for warfare are well documented, as is their contribution to the development of urban centres and new trade routes. However, something which […]
The Irish Rebel and the Ancient Sword
After the Battle of New Ross in 1798 an ancient blade was prised from the hands of a dead rebel fighter. The unnamed warrior had gone to war not with an iron pike like so many of his compatriots, but something much older. He died clasping a weapon not seen on a battlefield for over […]
A Satirical Chamberpot from 18th century Dublin
In the late 18th century an English writer, Richard Twiss caused consternation in Ireland when his book, ‘A Tour in Ireland in 1775‘, was published. It painted the country and its inhabitants in a very poor light and was widely condemned by the Irish public. However, every cloud has a silver lining and an enterprising […]
The River Liffey, its ancient name
Although now called the Liffey[i], in ancient times Dublin’s famous river was known by a different name, An Ruirthech. This loosely translates as ‘the stampeding one’[ii], a name which reflected the watercourse’s propensity to sudden floods of fast flowing water. This was a result of the river’s relatively short distance from source to the sea, […]
Traces of the Past Exhibition, Portumna, Co. Galway
A new and very interesting looking exhibition, Traces of the Past, is taking place in Co. Galway during the month of October. The exhibition, which is highlighting the use of remote sensing in archaeology, will be displayed at the The Gallery in The Workhouse, Portumna, Co. Galway between the 1st and 24th of October ( […]
Pangúr Bán
Pangúr Bán is probably the most famous surviving poem from Early Ireland[i]. Composed by an Irish monk sometime around the 9th century AD, the text compares the scholar’s work with the activities of a pet cat, Pangúr Bán. It is now preserved in the Reichnenau Primer at St. Paul’s Abbey in the Lavanttal, Austria. The version detailed below is Robin Flower‘s translation […]
An Ancient Stone Fort on the Dingle Peninsula: Cathair na BhFionnúrach
Located in the shadow of Mount Brandon and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cathair na BhFionnúrach is situated on the very western edge of Europe. Accessed via an old, grass covered laneway, the fort consists of a circular, stone-walled enclosure, approximately 29m in diameter. Originally the home of a Gaelic noble or wealthy farmer, it has […]
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Sharing Ireland’s amazing archaeology as well as interesting sites from around the world. A blog by Wexford archaeologist Colm Moriarty. Contact: colm@irisharchaeologyshop.com
