Category: Archaeology blogs
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Pangur Bán
Pangur Bán is probably the most famous surviving poem from Early Ireland[i]. Composed by an Irish monk sometime around the 9th…
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…
A Bronze Age Gold Disc from Co. Wexford
It often sparks debate on our social media platforms when I share images of Irish artefacts that are housed in…
A Pair of Late Bronze Age Gold Bracelets from Co. Offaly
The Derrinboy armlets are a pair of magnificent gold bracelets that were found deep within a County Offaly bog in…
A Twelfth Century Hand-Warmer
Dating from the 12th century and decorated in foliate patterns, this small, bronze ball is actually a hand-warmer. Inside the…
