Author: Colm
Traditional Irish Farming Tools: Drill/Drag Stones
These distinctive holed stones were once an important part of an Irish farmers tool kit.
A Medieval Heart-Shaped Reliquary from Cork City
This heart-shaped lead casket containing an embalmed human heart was found in the medieval crypt in Cork……..
Nan O’Toole: A Folk Medicine Practitioner from Galway
Nan O’Toole sold fish in Eglinton Street and was also known to have cures for many ailments….
Gold ring brooch found near Dingle Co. Kerry
The National Museum of Ireland has announced that a medieval gold ring brooch acquired in 2016 is to be sent…
Wayside funerary crosses, an ancient tradition from Kilmore, Co. Wexford
In the parish of Kilmore, in the very south of Co. Wexford, persists a peculiar funerary custom that may have…
Evidence for prehistoric human dismemberment found at Carrowkeel
A new analysis of bones taken from a century-old excavation at Carrowkeel in County Sligo has revealed evidence of the…
Decorated initials from a 9th century Irish manuscript
This wonderful collection of decorated initials is found on a 9th century Irish manuscript which now resides at the Abbey…
The Fairy King’s advice on Trees. A poem from Early Ireland
This medieval Irish poem about trees is taken from a text known as Aidedh Ferghusa meic Léide (the Death of…
False burials and dangerous water: Whit Sunday in Irish Folklore
Whit Sunday (or Whitsun) is an important Christian festival that celebrates the Pentecost. It normally falls on the seventh Sunday…
Viking Age Utensils from Waterford city
This fantastically preserved collection of household utensils was discovered during archaeological excavations in Waterford city. It includes two wooden spoons,…
