iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Today is the feast day of St Manchán. Manchán was an important figure in early medieval Ireland. He is thought to have been born somewhere in the north-east of Ulster in the early 7th century. He went on to found a monastery at Lemanaghan. His relics were housed in this spectacular shrine.

St Manchan's Shrine. A triangular or wedge shaped box carved of yew wood, with ornate metal fixings of a cross and a number of small figures.

14710

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 28/09/2026

This one of my favourite times of year to explore Ireland. The colours are changing and there is a definite scent of autumn in the air. So for this week's #MonumentMonday newsletter, we explore six monuments that I think make for particularly enjoyable autumnal adventures. 🍂 #Ireland #SpéirGhorm

A view of a still lake in Autumn, stones a reflected in the foreground, while in the background autumnal coloured trees shroud steeply rising hills that frame the other side of the lake

1336

Reposted by Tuatha

Royal Irish Academy @ria.ie · 28/09/2026

The MS of the Week is RIA MS 23 M 70, Leabhar Gabhála/Book of Invasions, and it is on display in the Reading Room of the Library this week from 10:00-16:30, Mon-Fri. Come visit! Check @rialibrary.bsky.social to learn more about this Manuscript and explore highlights from the Library’s collections.

0157

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 27/09/2026

Just spent the last few days on the beautiful island of Inishturk off the coast of Mayo. It's a truly stunning place, and I can't wait to go through all the photos properly. It's the kind of place that gets under your skin, so I'm already planning another trip! #WildAtlanticWay #ireland

A view across the coast of Inishturk towards the pier, the rugged rocky landscape is dotted with white cottages

A ram with curling horns in front of a drystone wall at the base of a steep hillside on Inishturk

The rugged coast of the island with the Atlantic churning white at the base of the cliffs

3678

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 26/09/2026

The tall stone cross of Skellig Michael. It is decorated with a double-lined Latin cross, carved into a weathered stone that had been roughly hewn into a cross shape. This 2.4m high cross stands on a leacht, a drystone altar, giving it an even more imposing aspect in the small monastery. #Ireland

A roughly shaped stone cross on a drystone altar, or leacht, in the monastery of Skellig Michael

116935

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 25/09/2026

This is a weight that was used by a Viking trader, some time in the 9th or 10th century. This is one of a number of weights discovered in Dublin. They were used in balance scales to weigh silver in the time before standardised currency. See it on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

A small weight on display in the National Museum of Ireland. It consists of lead attached to a small animal head made of gilt bronze.

With pointed ears and flared nostrils, the head may depict a wolf or dog, and it has been likely recycled from a stolen piece of metalwork taken from a shrine from an Irish church.

216328

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 24/09/2026

Drumlane Abbey • Cavan It is believed that there was a monastery here in the 6th century, though the visible remains date to the 12th century Augustinian Priory. Local legend tells that abbey's silver bell is lost at the bottom of the nearby lake, and it can be heard ringing every seven years.

An aerial view of a ruined medieval church with a round tower. A number of historic graves surround the church and tower. A small lake is just behind the site. The picture was taken on a misty winter day.

1466

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 23/09/2026

We have lots in store over the coming weeks for Tuatha Members. If you've ever wanted to learn more about Irish archaeology and our ancient landscapes, do consider joining us! #Ireland #DiscoverIreland #SpéirGhorm

An aerial view of a historic landscape at Rathcroghan

Two of the weepers on a medieval tomb at Jerpoint Abbey

An aerial view of the great mound of Rathcroghan

1282

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 22/09/2026

The Autumn Equinox is upon us. A time of balance between night and day. Evidence of the importance of the equinox can be found at Cairn T, one of the Neolithic passage tombs that crown the hills around Loughcrew, Meath, Ireland. Its passageway is aligned to the equinox sunrise. #Ireland #Equinox

An aerial view of the complex on Carnbane East with the great mound of stone covering Cairn T, at Loughcrew

Light falling on a stone engraved with megalithic art in Cairn T, Loughcrew Cairns.

116345

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 21/09/2026

In today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter, we set sail to Innisfallen to explore the medieval ruins on this scenic and story-filled island on Lough Leane in Killarney National Park. #Ireland #Killarney #WildAtlanticWay

Looking through the red and yellow sandstone archway at Innisfallen Abbey's oratory, situated on Innisfallen, Lough Leane, in Killarney National Park. The archway is in the Hiberno-Romanesque style. Through the archway, into the interior of the oratory, you can see a short stone cross.

2396

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 20/09/2026

The grandeur of Grey Abbey, County Down. Grey Abbey is one of the finest medieval monasteries in Ulster. It was founded for the Cistercian Order in c.1193 by Affreca, wife of the famous Norman warlord John de Courcy

A view of thr church of Grey Abbey looking toward the nave

16414

Reposted by Tuatha

Neil Jackman @neiljackman.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Great day at the Hellfire Club on tour with a group as part of the Dublin Mountains Community Archaeology Project. Marking TEN YEARS since we did our archaeological dig, that proved the old story about the club being made from the stones of an ancient cairn — a Neolithic passage tomb to be exact

The Hellfire Club, a ruined palladian style hunting lodge in the Dublin Mountains

2487

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 18/09/2026

A wonderful workshop at the @experimentarchaeol.bsky.social! Dr Ryan Lash helped us to carve blessing [or cursing!] stones like at the early monastery of Inishmurray While Dr Brendan O'Neill led us through the process of casting a bronze age axe — like magic when it finally emerges! #Ireland

26110

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 17/09/2026

It's #LoveDonegal day today, and what an easy county to love! Here are just a few of my favourite spots in this stunningly beautiful county. What are your favourites? #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #DiscoverIreland #Travel

An aerial view of a circular drystone fort on the summit of a hill in County Donegal

A stone cross pillar on the Turas Glencolmcille

An aerial view of Beltany Stone Circle, with the distant hills lightly draped in mist.

Doe Castle surrounded by the muddy Sheephaven bay

15713

Reposted by Tuatha

Graeme Warren @graemewarren.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

@ucdarchaeology.bsky.social Hunter-Gatherer Lab volunteers processing samples from Ferriters Cove with @martinmoucheron.bsky.social and Deborah Nagle @naikaiouk.bsky.social. Shells crab claws. Layers of pure carbonised hazelnut... Nice!

0183

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 16/09/2026

A face from the past. This head, with an elongated neck and a somewhat anxious expression, protrudes from above the doorway of the ruined medieval church at Kilcatherine on the Beara Peninsula. It may represent a saint, a patron, or it may reflect that some heads were believed to ward off evil

A medieval carved head with large eyes and a long protruding neck

2506

Reposted by Tuatha

National Monuments Service @nationalmons.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Underwater Archaeology Unit summer work in Streedagh, Co Sligo. The beach here is the site of three Spanish Armada wrecks which sank on 21 September 1588. Copyright and Photo credit: NMS #UnderwaterWednesdays #UnderwaterArchaeology #ClimateActionIRL #HeritageIreland2030 #ProtectOurPast

0154

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 15/09/2026

If you visit Achill Island, it is well worth climbing the slope to the shoulder of Slievemore to visit the court tomb at Keel East. The tomb is likely to date back over 5,000 years to the middle part of the Neolithic period. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Prehistory

A megalithic tomb on a misty hillside on Achill Island

2474

Reposted by Tuatha

Elizabeth Boyle @thecelticist.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I was on a research trip today on the Meath/Cavan border &, among other things, I visited St Ciaran's Well at Castlekeeran, Co. Meath, named after the 8th-century St Ciarán of Bealach Dúin, not the more famous St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise. (Yes, I drank the water!) #MedievalSky #Spéirghorm

St Ciarán's Well at Castlekeeran, Co. Meath. There is a metal ladle on a chain beside the bedrock well, for visitors to drink the water.

A rag tree at the head of St Ciaran's Well, and a white candle in front of it.

The waterway at St Ciaran's Well in Castlekeeran, Co. Meath.

2495

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 14/09/2026

Travel through time in today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter, as we dig into some truly remarkable archaeological discoveries made on road schemes between Nenagh and Limerick. [Picture: Castlecranna under excavation by TVAS. Markus Casey for TII] #Ireland #Archaeology #IrishHistory

An aerial view of a large circular enclosure under excavation by archaeologists

1264

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 13/09/2026

Leacanabuaile Stone Fort • c.9th-11th century • Kerry Leacanabuaile enjoys outstanding views over the Kerry landscape and is thought to have been the seat of a high-ranking family in early medieval Ireland. #Ireland #WildAtlanticWay

The foundations of a circular drystone fort atop a grassy knoll on a misty day in West Kerry

26713

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 12/09/2026

September has always been one of my favourite months to explore along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. The weather is often fairly settled*, the light takes on a golden hue in the evenings, and it can usually be a little quieter and less frantic and touristy. #Travel #Ireland *not guaranteed 😅

A small boy looks out to sea from Inch Beach, Dingle. Text reads Autumn Adventures Along the Wild Atlantic Way

Sheep graze in front of a stone circle at Cashelkeelty

A broken stump of a late medieval towerhouse on the coast of the Dingle Peninsula

1343

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 11/09/2026

This bog butter was deposited in wooden mether in a bog at Tumgesh, County Mayo, likely sometime between the 12th–15th century. Before refrigerators, farmers preserved their butter by burying it in the bog. With a cool, low-oxygen, high-acid environment, the bog was an ideal place to store foods.

A wooden vessel, like a giant mug with a handle, with bog butter (looking like a cross between the head of a pint of Guinness with expandable foam)

15312

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 10/09/2026

This sandstone pillar at Gallen in County Offaly is decorated with an interlaced cross, set above two beasts that face each other, each with an flamboyantly interlaced tail. The lower panel of diagonal fretwork is more weathered, with another four legged animal – possibly a stag – at the centre.

A freestanding, weathered sandstone pillar with insular Irish art

17713

Reposted by Tuatha

ihta_ria.bsky.social @ihtaria.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Join Ruth McManus on a walking tour of Drumcondra as part of the Dublin Book Festival! 📆Thurs 5 Nov 2026 🕝14:30 📍Belvedere House, DCU St Patrick’s Campus, Drumcondra Rd Upper, Dublin 9 Booking details below🚶‍♀️ dublinbookfestival.com/event/drumco... @dublinbookfest.bsky.social @ria.ie #IHTA

dublinbookfestival.com

Drumcondra Walking Tour - Dublin Book Festival

Join a historical walking tour of Drumcondra with author Ruth McManus at Dublin Book Festival 2026

0115

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 09/09/2026

Haroldstown Dolmen • c.3800-3500 BC • Carlow Also known as portal tombs, dolmens generally date to the earlier to middle part of the Neolithic period. There are plenty of portal tombs bigger than this one at Haroldstown, but it is one of my favourite examples. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Archaeology 🏺

A Neolithic portal tomb known as the Haroldstown Dolmen, this megalithic monument consists of a large capstone supported by upright stones.

0569

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 08/09/2026

Urlaur Abbey in County Mayo, founded in around 1430 for the Dominican Order. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm

An aerial view of the ruined medieval abbey of Urlaur, alongside a lake in County Mayo, Ireland

07511

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 08/09/2026

There's lots in store for Tuatha Members this September! 🗿 Sign up for our upcoming webinar with Christiaan Corlett on Rory O'Tunney, the medieval master stone carver. 🔥 Join us for an experimental archaeology workshop at UCD 🚶‍♂️Hike into history at the Hellfire Club And more!

1133

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 07/09/2026

In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a trip to County Derry to visit Old Banagher Church, an important early church complex with associations to both St Patrick and St Muiredach.

A view through a medieval doorway of the ruined church of Banagher in County Derry, a gravel path leads through the now grassy nave and cloister.

1365

Reposted by Tuatha

Royal Irish Academy @ria.ie · 07/09/2026

The MS of the Week is RIA MS C iii 1, the Annals of Connacht, and it is on display in the Reading Room of the Library this week from 10.00-16.30, Monday-Friday. Come visit! Check @rialibrary.bsky.social to learn more about this Manuscript and explore highlights from the Library’s collections.

Close-up of an ancient manuscript page showing columns of medieval handwritten text with large ornate capital letters and faded ink.

0115

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 06/09/2026

This is the broken shaft of a high cross at Old Kilcullen, Kildare. Carved in Wicklow granite, it has some pretty unusual and enigmatic depictions. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #IrishHistory #IrishArchaeology #EarlyMedieval #Art

A broken stone shaft of a high cross in a historic graveyard

17917

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 05/09/2026

Explore the Landscapes of the Nine Years War with our new itinerary guide! The Nine Years War (1593–1603) was of the most pivotal moments in all of Irish history. #Ireland #IrishHistory #DiscoverIreland

A steel statue of a warrior on horseback perched above the road, it is called The Gaelic Chieftain and it commemorates the Battle of Curlew Pass

1243

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 04/09/2026

The Breac Maodhóg This c.11th century reliquary features bronze plaques with wonderfully detailed figures of men and women, likely to represent saints or clerics. You can see it in the National Museum of Ireland, on display next to its leather satchel. I love the slightly fed up looking figure!

The Breac Maodhóg, a house shaped reliquary comprised of large bronze sheets with detailed depictions of men and women.

A small bronze figure of a cleric on the Breac Maodhóg, he has a pretty flamboyant hairdo (with a centre parting like a prime Steve Macmanaman). He rests his hand on his face like he has just heard what civilisation is like in 2026.

25412

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 03/09/2026

Ross Castle • Kerry Beautifully situated on the shore of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park, Ross Castle is a late medieval towerhouse that was once the seat of the powerful O’Donoghue family. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Medieval

A late medieval towerhouse reflected in the waters of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park

16210

Reposted by Tuatha

Aidan O'Sullivan @aidanosullivan.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

"Early medieval Ireland, AD 400-1100. The evidence from archaeological excavations" Aidan O'Sullivan, Finbar McCormick, Thomas R. Kerr & Lorcan Harney (2021 reprint with new bibliographical essay) Royal Irish Academy, Dublin Available for €9.99 from Royal Irish Academy shop.ria.ie/products/ear...

48225

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 02/09/2026

The Meehambee Dolmen • Roscommon Located in the south of Roscommon, this c.5,500 year old Neolithic portal tomb is reached by walking along an atmospheric bridleway. One of those old hollow ways where it feels like you might encounter an Otherworldly figure or two. #Ireland #Archaeology

An enormous mossy capstone supported by equally mossy upright stones alongside a path in a wood in Roscommon, Ireland

17213

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 01/09/2026

Tullaherin Round Tower • Kilkenny This round tower dates to around the 11th century and stands within an important early monastic complex. #Ireland #Kilkenny #SpéirGhorm #Medieval

Tullaherin Round Tower in County Kilkenny. The round tower has lost its conical roof.

27713

Reposted by Tuatha

Royal Irish Academy @ria.ie · 01/09/2026

Celebrate Dublin Festival of History with the RIA The RIA and its research programmes will be running a number of events during the Dublin Festival of History (26 Sept – 11 Oct) For more details, visit: www.ria.ie/work/public-... @ihtaria.bsky.social @difp-ria.bsky.social @rialibrary.bsky.social

Black and white historical map showing detailed layout of Dublin city and surrounding areas, including roads, rivers, and terrain features.

0155

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 31/08/2026

In today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a trip down the beautiful Beara Peninsula to visit Ardgroom Stone Circle, one of the most evocative of the wealth of Bronze Age monuments you can find in that stunning part of the country! #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #WildAtlanticWay

A stone circle overlooking the landscape of the Beara Peninsula, across Kenmare Bay to the Iveragh, all under a blue sky

1525

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 30/08/2026

'We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.' T.S. Eliot The 12th century church at Chill Maolchéadair (Kilmalkedar) on the Dingle Peninsula is always one of our favourite places to explore. #Ireland

A small boy on a path in front of Kilmalkedar Church, the ruin of a 12th century Romanesque church on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

1587

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 29/08/2026

The most northerly part of the island of Ireland is a place where the stories match the spectacular scenery! Our itinerary guide for the Inishowen Peninsula will help you to explore these dramatic landscapes, with ancient monasteries, medieval castles and more. #Ireland #Travel #DiscoverIreland

A signal station from the Napoleonic Wars on Malin Head, Donegal

An early medieval sculpture of a warrior at Carndonagh Donegal

The ruin of a castle overlooking the Atlantic on the Inishowen Peninsula

1488

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 28/08/2026

A face peers out from the hilt of a wooden weaver's sword. This artefact is believed to date to the 11th century, and it was discovered during archaeological excavations at the former Beamish and Crawford brewery site in Cork City. #Ireland #SpeirGhorm #Archaeology

A carved hilt of a wooden sword. The pommel is shaped like the head of a bearded man, and the hilt has a woven pattern

211934

Reposted by Tuatha

Royal Irish Academy @ria.ie · 28/08/2026

Oíche Chultúir 2026 ag Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann! Culture Night Dublin 2026 at the Royal Irish Academy! Dé hAoine, 18 Meán Fómhair, 5:00–9:00pm. Friday, 18 September, 5:00–9:00pm. @dib.ie @dri.ie @ihtaria.bsky.social @difp-ria.bsky.social @rialibrary.bsky.social @arinsproject.bsky.social

Illustration of a building entrance with stairs on a green background, featuring Royal Irish Academy and Culture Night logos below.

1125

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 27/08/2026

The twelve apostles depicted on the 10th century Moone High Cross, Kildare. The cross has a distinctive artistic style, that shares similarities with a number of high crosses along the Barrow Valley, including Castledermot and St Mullins. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #EarlyMedieval #IrishArchaeology

An early medieval depiction of the twelve apostles on Moone High Cross Kildare Ireland

38017

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 26/08/2026

As today is #InternationalDogDay here is a good boy from medieval Ireland. He is beautifully depicted lying faithfully at the feet of Pierce Fitz Og Butler (who died in 1526) at Kilcooley Abbey, Tipperary. I'd love to have our own barkaeologist Peig depicted on my effigy when I go! 🐕 #Ireland

A stone effigy of a knight resting his feet on a small dog with curly fur

16714

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 25/08/2026

These Bronze Age standing stones overlook the head of Derry's Faughan Valley, a place rich in prehistoric monuments. Though we may never know the full meaning that was ascribed to these stones when they were first erected around 3,000 years ago, they still have a potent presence on the landscape.

Two standing stones, one tall and tapering, the other nearly slumped all the way over, overlook a green valley in County Derry

0485

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 24/08/2026

In today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter we take a trip to Trim to discover one of Ireland's largest Norman castles. And if you love Irish medieval history, we also have a link for our upcoming Tuatha Talk webinar: 'The English Invasion of Ireland' with Dr Seán Ó Hoireabhárd #Ireland

The extensive ruin of Trim Castle viewed across the River Boyne, with people crossing the bridge across the river.

1369

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 23/08/2026

The Boheh Stone is a large boulder outcrop in the environs of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The stone bears remarkable prehistoric rock art. With more than 250 motifs evident, it is one of the most highly decorated stones that features this style of art to be found in Ireland. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm

A large lichen and mossy lump of bedrock outcrop, covered with prehistoric art of concentric circles and hollows

114132

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 22/08/2026

Looking for a trail through time? The village of Carron is located deep within the heart of the Burren, and here you can enjoy a wonderfully atmospheric 5km looped walk that brings you to Temple Cronán. The church stands on an earlier monastic site, with tomb shrines and a holy well. #Ireland

An aerial view of the roofless ruin of Temple Cronán Church, surrounded by hazel trees and oaks

A stile crosses a drystone mossy wall into Temple Cronán

A 12th century stone head on Temple Cronán

26917

Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 21/08/2026

This Hnefatafl gaming board is around 1,000 years old and carved from yew. It is decorated with a fusion of Irish and Scandinavian art styles. It was found during Hencken's excavations at Ballinderry Crannog, Westmeath, and you can see it on display in the National Museum of Ireland. #Ireland

An early medieval gaming board in a museum case. The board is a square of carved yew, with coils of Hiberno-Norse decoration around the border. The centre of the board is sunken and flat, with a series of small peg holes in a grid pattern. A carving of a human head is at the top of the board.

125949