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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The throne of the quiet man: the Súgán chair
by Alva Mac Gowan. This chair has a story to tell. Its tightly twisted seat is made from straw woven by the hands of children who could not hear, and so their touch and sight was all the stronger. Its body was carved by the same hands; sensitive and relishing the challenge of creating an […]
A Viking Midsummer’s Night
Alva Mac Gowan tells how she spent an enjoyable midsummer’s night in a very unusual location. This year, after a melancholy, dark and stormy winter, I decided to celebrate the longest day with a few close friends and make it a midsummer to remember. I work (when the work is there) as an archaeologist. Many […]
Traditional thatched cottages, Kilmore Quay, Wexford
Today I spent a lovely morning in Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford. This picturesque fishing village is famous for its thatched cottages, many of which date from the 19th century. These traditional buildings are mainly of mud-wall construction and are thatched with reeds (although originally wheaten or oaten straw would have been used). Simple vernacular structures, […]
The Rock of Dunamase, Co. Laois
The imposing fortress at the Rock of Dunamase, Co. Laois is situated on top of large limestone outcrop. From this prominent and easily defended position it dominates the surrounding landscape. The castle played an important role in the early Anglo-Norman expansion in Leinster and was strategically located overlooking an important routeway between counties Carlow and […]
A 15th century medicinal recipe from Co. Louth
A late 15th century inscribed slate was discovered at Smarmore church, Co. Louth in 1959 and is now on display at the National Museum of Ireland. It contains a medicinal recipe, most likely for a poultice, that would have been applied to an ulcer or wound to aid healing. The recipe uses a variety of […]
Shrine of the Miosach: An Early Irish Book Shrine
This ornate book shrine comes from Clonmany, Inishowen, Co. Donegal, where the O’Morrison family were its traditional keepers. Associated with Saint Cairneach, the oldest parts of the shrine appear to date from the 11th century AD. The core of the artefact consists of a single piece of yew wood that was hollowed out to receive […]
A Late Bronze Age gold necklace from Tumna, Co. Roscommon
In 1834 a group of men ‘landing potatoes’ at Tumna, Co. Roscommon discovered a collection of curious gold balls. Dating from the Late Bronze Age, these ancient artefacts had lain hidden in the ground for nearly 3,000 years. They were hollow inside and contained opposed holes to facilitate threading, suggesting that they had originally formed […]
A Bronze Age Spindle Whorl from Tipperary
This decorated spindle whorl was discovered inside a Late Bronze Age house that was excavated by Bernice Molly at Killmelly, Co. Tipperary (Molloy 2009, 67). Used to make thread, spindle whorls played an important role in textile production. They consist of a perforated disc or spherical object that was originally attached to a spindle […]
The Archer-Butler luck stone
Originally owned by the Butler family of Granvilla, near Cahir, Co. Tipperary, this small amulet was traditionally used to protect cattle from disease. It consists of a crystal ball weighing c. 200g that is mounted in a decorative bronze frame. There were two ways the ‘cure’ could be invoked. Sometimes the stone was placed in […]
19th century depictions of Ireland by William H. Bartlett
This blog post contains a selection of excellent 19th century illustrations of historic Irish sites. They were produced by William Henry Bartlett, a noted British artist, who was born in London in 1809. He specialised in landscape drawings and had a particular fondness for ancient monuments, which he often incorporated into his images. Bartlett […]
A Barbary Ape Skull from Navan Fort, Co. Armagh
Traditionally associated with the kings of Ulster, the great hilltop enclosure of Eamhain Mhacha (Navan Fort), Co. Armagh is an early Irish royal site. In recent times it has undergone a series of archaeological excavations, which have revealed a wealth of information about the fort and its inhabitants. One of the most exciting and curious finds uncovered during […]
Gallarus Oratory, Dingle, Co. Kerry
The iconic Gallarus oratory is located in the heart of the Kerry Gaeltacht, on the very western tip of the Dingle peninsula, Co. Kerry. With its distinctive appearance, often referred to as resembling an upturned boat, the church is now a well-known tourist attraction. Constructed entirely out of locally sourced stone, the church is […]
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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
