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The Cavan Brooch • 8th–9th Century This brooch is also known as 'The Queen's Brooch', as a replica was made for Queen Victoria when she visited Dublin in 1853. This created a fashion for reproduction 'Celtic'-style jewellery. You can see the brooch on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

The inner part of the vrooch featuring two human heads with two gilded interlaced bosses each surrounded by three animal heads

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 08/10/2026

The Rock of Lough Key • Roscommon Also known as McDermott's Rock, as it was the seat of the McDermotts, the ruling dynasty of Magh Luirg in Connacht. The Annals of Loch Cé record a disaster in 1184, when the Rock was hit by lightning. Duvesa, wife of Conor McDermott, and over 100 people perished.

The ruin of McDermott's Castle emerges from the trees and ivy over the waters of Lough Key

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 07/10/2026

Abbeylara • Longford In the village of Abbeylara in County Longford, you can find the ruin of a Cistercian monastery that was founded by Richard de Tuite in 1205. #Ireland #Medieval #SpéirGhorm

A ruined stone tower stands in a historic graveyard in County Longford, Ireland

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 06/10/2026

A few more images from our tour of Glendalough on Saturday. It really is idyllic at this time of year, a truly beautiful place that is so full of stories. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Travel #DiscoverIreland #IrishHistory

A view across the river to St Kevin's Church and the Round Tower

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 05/10/2026

In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we head back in time to the Bronze Age as we visit Kenmare Stone Circle in County Kerry. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm #DiscoverIreland #Travel

A circle of low stones surround a boulder on a grassy knoll, with thick conifer trees as a backdrop

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 04/10/2026

The megalithic tomb known as 'The Calf House' in the Cavan Burren. The monument’s unusual name comes from the fact that it was modified and reused in the 19th century as an animal shelter. The Cavan Burren is a wonderful place for a walk to encounter millennia of Ireland's memories. #Ireland

Large upright stones support a very large slab

A wooden boardwalk leads to the megalithic tomb known as the Calf House

The interior of the Calf House, the gap between the slipped capstone and the orthostat has been filled with a rough stone wall

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 03/10/2026

We had a glorious day at Glendalough on our Tuatha Tour with archaeologist Christiaan Corlett. Chris knows the site so well, and it was just fascinating to see the site through his eyes, as we discussed pilgrimage, patronage, and the work of people like William Wilde in the 19th century. #Ireland

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 02/10/2026

This sheela na gig is on display in the Ulster Museum. It is thought to have originally belonged to the church of Errigal Keerogue, Tyrone.

A stone carving known as a sheela na gig. It is classed as a female exhibitionist figure. It has a pained expression with gritted teeth and round staring eyes, and pendulous breasts. The right arm extends forward over the vulva; and the left backwards and under the leg.

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 01/10/2026

It is also unusual for such an intimate depiction. The knights are positioned in an intimate manner you would more commonly see a married couple, with arms touching and the knight on the left facing the knight on the right.

A closer view of the large stone slab incised with a medieval depiction of two knights.

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 01/10/2026

The graveslab known as 'The Brethren', in Jerpoint Abbey Kilkenny, is particularly interesting as it is one of very few incised graveslabs to depict knights in Ireland. #Ireland #Medieval #SpéirGhorm

A grey stone graveslab that has incised portraits of a knight in a helmet holding a sword (on the left), his head reclines on a pillow. A second knight in mail but no helmet holds a sword to the right

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 30/09/2026

One of the nice details that you can find at Molough is this mason's mark on the jamb of the eastern doorway. Distinctive marks were used by masons to sign their work, both as a form of signature to demonstrate their skill, or perhaps as a way of marking progress to receive payment for work done

An intricate carved circle with decoration spiralling inside

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 30/09/2026

Situated in Tipperary's Suir Valley, Molough Abbey is a very interesting example of a medieval nunnery. The ruins that we can see today relate to a nunnery founded by the Butlers in the 14th century. #Ireland #SpéirGhorm

A fine medieval stone doorway at Molough Abbey

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 29/09/2026

The shrine is Ireland’s largest surviving reliquary. It is a fusion of Irish, Scandinavian Urnes, and Romanesque art styles. The shrine is thought to date to the 12th century, possibly commissioned by the King of Connacht, Toirrdelbach Ua Conchobair, as it was enhanced by his son Ruaidrí.

A closer view of the elaborate interlace panels on the side of the shrine

Five metal figures, each unique, on St Manchán's Shrine

Five more metal figures, each unique, on St Manchán's Shrine

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 29/09/2026

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 20/09/2026

Grey Abbey is just one of a wealth of historic highlights on our Ards Peninsula Itinerary Guide, exclusively available for Tuatha Members. Not a member yet? Start your archaeological adventure today! www.tuatha.ie/join/

A promotional image for our Ards Peninsula Itinerary

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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

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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

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 17/09/2026

If Donegal is a place you'd like to know better, we currently have four in-depth itinerary guides to help you to explore, with more on the way! All available for Tuatha Members. Not a member yet? Discover a deeper connection with Ireland's ancient landscapes by joining today! www.tuatha.ie/join/

A collage of four promotional images for our itinerary guides to North Donegal, South West Donegal, the Inishowen Peninsula and Glencolmcille

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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

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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

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 15/09/2026

If you plan on visiting Achill Island this autumn, try our exclusive itinerary guide to Achill and Clew Bay. Available for all Tuatha Members. Not a member yet? Start your archaeological adventure today at the link below! www.tuatha.ie/join/

A promotional image for our itinerary for Achill Island and Clew Bay. It features two of the places on the tour, along with a portion of the illustrated map.

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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

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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

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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

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 12/09/2026

Where is your go-to place for a wander on the Wild Atlantic Way? #WildAtlanticWay #DiscoverIreland

Pink tinted dawn sky over the tiny early church of Teampall Bheanain on Inis Mór

Aerial view of a large Neolithic court tomb at Creevykeel, Sligo

A standing stone forms one of the stations of the Turas Glencolmcille

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 12/09/2026

This thread features just a few of my favourite spots along the way, from West Cork to Donegal.

The green fields swoop down to Coomenoule Beach

Sheep graze in Derrigimlagh Bog with the mountains of Connemara forming a backdrop

Boats rest in still water at a pier on Inis Mór

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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

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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)

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 10/09/2026

Situated close to the great monastic centre of Clonmacnoise, the early monastery of Gallen was founded as early as 492 by St Canoc. Gallen Priory is one of the stops on our Monastic Midlands itinerary, available for Tuatha Members. Not a member yet? Start your adventure today www.tuatha.ie/join/

A promotional image for our Monastic Midlands of County Offaly itinerary guide

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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

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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.

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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

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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!

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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.

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 06/09/2026

On this face you can see a rider blowing a horn, with a small dog perched behind him. Then a warrior with his arm in the jaws of a monstrous lion or wolf. Followed by a figure astride a donkey (with exceptionally big ears), then five weathered heads at the bottom.

A figure astride a donkey (with exceptionally big ears)

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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

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 05/09/2026

This itinerary, created by conflict archaeologist and historian Dr Damian Shiels, takes you on a journey throughout Ireland in search of O’Neill, O’Donnell, Maguire and the English forces who opposed them.

A promotional image for our new Nine Years War itinerary guide

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 01/09/2026

Tullaherin is just one of the stops on our Kilkenny's Medieval Marvels Itinerary. Explore round towers, monastic complexes, high crosses and castles in our tour through this storied landscape. It's exclusively available for Tuatha Members

Promotional postcard image for the Tuatha Kilkenny's Medieval Marvels itinerary

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