Millions of Irish family records released on-line today
Important news for anyone interested in researching their Irish ancestors. From today millions of historic personal records will be available on-line, free of charge. The records of births, marriages and deaths are being released by the General Register Office on irishgenealogy.ie. The expanded database includes the Birth Records Indexes from 1864 to 1914, the Marriage Records […]
Bone Ice Skates from Viking Age Dublin
These unusual looking bone objects represent a pair of medieval ice skates. They date from circa 11th/12th century AD and were discovered during the National Museum of Ireland’s excavations in Viking Age Dublin[i]. Similar artefacts are known from early Scandinavian sites such as Birka and Hedeby, while in Britain over 40 have been found in […]
The Greatest Archaeological Discoveries of all Time?
Claire Collins of the Caherconnell Stone Fort Project has sent in this interesting graphic with her suggestions for the ‘Greatest Archaeological Discoveries of all Time’. Do you agree? Are there discoveries you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments section below. Buy Celtic Horse Pendant Epona
A 16th Century Magical Disc
This elaborately decorated wax disc is known as the ‘Seal of God’. Dating from the 16th century, it originally belonged to the Dr John Dee, a prominent English mathematician and sometimes adviser to Queen Elizabeth I. Dee was also keenly interested in the occult and this wax seal acted as a pedestal upon which he […]
Remarkable wooden artefact unearthed at Vindolanda Roman Fort
Located just to the south of Hadrian’s Wall, in northern Britain, Vindolanda was once an important Roman fort. For the last 45 years it has been subjected to a continuous series of excavations, which have uncovered many thousands of artefacts. What makes these ordinary items extraordinary is the fact they are approaching 2,000 years […]
St. John’s Eve or Bonfire Night; Irish Folklore
Tonight, June 23rd, is St. John’s Eve, or as it is known in many parts of Ireland, Bonfire Night. It was traditionally marked by the construction of bonfires throughout the countryside. These were lit at sundown and were the focal point of communal festivities. People gathered to dance and sing, while young men proved their […]
Some Early Medieval Grave Slabs at Clonmacnoise
Founded by St. Ciarán in the 6th century AD, Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most famous early monasteries. Its high status is reflected in the historical documents which record numerous instances of Irish kings and important ecclesiastics being buried at the site. Today, evidence for these interments survives in the form of beautifully decorated grave-markers, […]
French Archaeologists Uncover 6000 Year Old Massacre
A team of archaeologists working in Achenheim, France have uncovered evidence of a 6000 year old massacre while excavating a large Neolithic enclosure. The macabre discovery was found inside a subterranean silo, which had originally been used for storing grain and other foodstuffs. However, this pit was filled with something entirely different. It contained the […]
Ancient Irish musical history found in modern India
An archaeologist studying musical horns from Iron-Age Ireland has found that musical traditions, which were thought to be long dead, are still alive and well in south India. The realisation that modern Indian horns are almost identical to many iron-age European artefacts reveals a rich cultural link between the two regions 2,000 years ago, said PhD […]
Brownshill Portal Tomb, Co. Carlow
Dating from the Early Neolithic period (4000-3000 BC), Brownshill dolmen in Co. Carlow is one of the most impressive megalithic monuments in Ireland. The capstone is truly massive and has to be seen in person to be really appreciated. It is estimated to weigh in excess of 150 tonnes and is believed to be one of […]
