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You can dig deeper into the story of St Manchán's Shrine in the beautifully illustrated publication by Dr Griffin Murray and metalsmith and photographer Kevin O’Dwyer.

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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 · 28/09/2026

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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Our weekly newsletter features incredible monuments to visit all around Ireland. So if you're looking for inspiration for places to visit, or if you'd just like to guarantee yourself a nice email to start the week, subscribe to Monument Monday for free at the link below www.tuatha.ie/newsletter/

Newsletter by Tuatha and Abarta Heritage

Discover the best places to visit in Ireland with our Monument Monday series, along with tips for explorers and insights into our work.

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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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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.

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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

As a member you'll enjoy free access to our events, as well as a rich resource of recorded lectures, courses, articles and guides. All lovingly created by experienced archaeologists to help you to enjoy a deeper connection with Ireland. Sign up today at the link below! www.tuatha.ie/join/

Become a Member of Tuatha, Join Today

Discover Become a member of Tuatha todevelop a deeper connection with Ireland and really get to know the Old Place.

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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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The most important act we can do for our monuments is to love and appreciate them. It is our mission to help people to do that. If you see anyone damaging monuments, please do get in touch with the National Monuments Service and your local Garda station. Help to protect our past.

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Ireland is truly blessed with a wonderful archaeological legacy left by those who have gone before. Many of the sites still exist today thanks to the custodianship of past generations, who have bequeathed this heritage to us, and it is up to us to try to pass as much as we can to the next generation

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Prehistoric burial site at Loughcrew in Co Meath seriously vandalised

Though what should be a time of celebration and reflection has been sorely tempered this year after yesterday's news that someone has seriously vandalised at least one of the satellite tombs at Loughcrew. www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026...

irishtimes.com

Stones decorated with megalithic art were damaged in what authorities described as a significant heritage crime

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 21/09/2026

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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Excavate your inbox to dig into the story of Innisfallen. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, you can sign up for FREE at the link below: www.tuatha.ie/newsletter/

Newsletter by Tuatha and Abarta Heritage

Discover the best places to visit in Ireland with our Monument Monday series, along with tips for explorers and insights into our work.

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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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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

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 18/09/2026

Looking forward to our next outing which will be a tour of Glendalough with archaeologist Christiaan Corlett — you'll never look at Glendalough the same way again after seeing it through Chris's eyes! I really look forward to these events, it's wonderful to explore Ireland's past together

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 18/09/2026

Such a magical experience, and a wonderful way to spend a day getting hands on with the past, in such good company too! Thanks so much to all for being part of it, and especially Brendan, Ryan and Dave for your brilliant instruction and encouragement!

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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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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!

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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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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

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Tuatha @tuatha.ie · 16/09/2026

Lovely turf it is! Such a beautiful place.

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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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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.

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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

This is just one of a wealth of wonderful historical treasures along the Ring of Kerry. Explore 22 of my favourites with our in-depth itinerary guide. Yours to download for FREE from the link below: www.tuatha.ie/the-ultimate...

The Ultimate Ring of Kerry Tour Itinerary - Tuatha

Our free Ultimate Ring of Kerry Tour itinerary helps you to explore like an expert – featuring 22 unmissable story-filled sites!

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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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If you're looking for inspiration, we have more than 55 itinerary guides covering the whole island – with LOTS for the Wild Atlantic Way! All available for Tuatha Members. Not a member yet? Start your journey today! www.tuatha.ie/join/

Become a Member of Tuatha, Join Today

Discover Become a member of Tuatha todevelop a deeper connection with Ireland and really get to know the Old Place.

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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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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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