NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND - ARCHAEOLOGY
Museum featuring a fine archaeological collection from prehistory to the Middle Ages, and gold ornaments from the Viking era.
The archaeology branch of the National Museum of Ireland presents a magnificent collection ranging from prehistory to the Middle Ages, including a remarkable selection of gold ornaments from the Viking period. The collections are grouped into several themes. The treasury is the main attraction. It presents magnificent examples of Celtic and medieval art of which the Ardagh chalice (9th century) and the Tara brooch (8th century) are the highlights. Among the most beautiful objects are two cylindrical and ribbed gold bracelets; a gold necklace discovered in 1932 in County Clare; a pair of earrings found in County Roscommon; two superb gold torques from County Meath. Also of interest is the crucifixion plaque (8th century A.D.) on which the body of Christ is carved with spirals and surrounded by much smaller angels and soldiers; the Clonmacnoise crook, recognizable by the crest crowned with interlocking animals; and, most symbolically, the bell of St. Patrick accompanied by its reliquary. Finally, Ireland's Gold houses the finest collection in Europe of gold objects dating from prehistoric times. In the other rooms, you will also discover prehistoric Ireland, the Viking period (800-1200), the struggle for independence (1916-1921), as well as an exhibition dedicated to the medieval period. A really nice visit.
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