There has been a lot of attention recently - both in Ireland and internationally - around a little something called ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’. Simply put, it’s a tourism trail that criss-crosses most of the eastern half of the country, stopping off at all of the most beautiful and historically significant spots along the way. It was launched last month as a partner to the Wild Atlantic Way, a route that follows the entire western coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork. And as you may have guessed, plenty of our favourite ancient jewellery pieces originated in places along the route!
‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ tracks 5,000 years of Irish history over four periods; Ancient Ireland, when the Celts and their ancestors reigned supreme; Early Christian Ireland, when monasteries sprang up across the country and skilled monks crafted some of our most famous artefacts; Medieval Ireland, when Vikings raided and later settled along the coast, swapping trades and skills with the natives; and finally Anglo Ireland, when sophisticated lords and ladies constructed sprawling country mansions in some of the most picturesque spots on the island. Here’s a rundown of what there is to see along the Ancient East route, and which of our most prized ancient possessions once lay buried underneath it.
Bru na Boinne
Bru na Boinne, or the ‘Palace of the Boyne’ in the Boyne Valley, is one of the most important megalithic sites in all of Europe. This hilly valley is dotted with megalithic stone monuments for miles in every direction, and there has been human activity in the area as far back as 3,500 BC. Within its boundaries are two of the most important Irish prehistoric sites; Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. Meticulously planned and expertly built by ancient people using nothing but their minds and their hands, Newgrange is still in astoundingly good condition - not one drop of water has found its way into the interior of this passage tomb over 5,000 years! Used as a burial chamber for the most important members of these ancient societies, the tomb is aligned in such a way that each winter solstice, the first rays of the rising sun shine directly into its centre, lighting it up in a truly magical fashion.
A short distance from Newgrange is the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. This site was where kings were crowned, huge festivals were celebrated, large gatherings occurred, and more - essentially it was the spiritual and political heart of Celtic society. The grass-covered foundations of the Rath Riogh (Royal Fort) is where the king’s residence once would have stood. In its centre is the Stone of Destiny - legends claim it would cry out when the rightful king touched it, and the cry would be heard all over the country.
Plenty of Celtic (and older) paraphernalia has been found on both sites, including urns and coins dating from the Roman period. What it’s most famous for however is the Tara Brooch - which is funny because despite the name, the brooch was actually found some distance away on a beach in county Louth! Dating from around 700 AD, this silver pseudo-penannular brooch has some of the most beautiful and intricate work to be found on any piece of jewellery, and is elaborately decorated with gold filigree panels, silver and copper inlay, and amber, enamel and glass studs. It is covered with typical Celtic interlacing patterns, animal imagery, knots and much more - all on one (relatively) small object. (Did you know we created a brooch inspired by the Tara brooch for a customer whofound our Custom Jewelry page?)
Clonmacnoise and County Offaly
When it comes to early Christian sites, Clonmacnoise is by far the most significant in all of Ireland. Founded in 544 AD by St. Ciaran when Christianity was starting to gain a firm foothold in the country, it was by far the most well known monastery in the land from the outset right up until the 12th century. Not just a training ground for monks and bishops, it was also an important centre of learning, trade and craftsmanship. It was also a close ally of the kings of Ireland (especially the kings of Meath, arguably the most powerful kingdom), many of whom were buried on the grounds.
The Clonmacnoise Crozier was one of the treasures crafted at the monastery by expertly skilled monks. Crafted around the year 1100 AD, it is made from bronze with silver and niello inlay in the form of interlacing ribbons and snakes. Along the top is a ridge of sculpted dogs racing towards the top of the handle, which ends in a sculpted bearded head. The shaft is also richly decorated with floral patterns and blue glass studs. A symbol of power and status for the bishops and abbots, the crozier would have been used when they were presiding over important ceremonies. The Ancient East trail stops off at some other must see spots in county Offaly following Clonmacnoise.
One is the largest Norman castle in Ireland, Trim Castle, which was used as one of the locations in Braveheart. Also worth a look is Birr Castle, which has the still functioning Great Telescope from 1845 (at the time, it was the biggest and most accurate telescope in the entire world), the oldest surviving darkroom in the world, and the oldest wrought-iron bridge in Ireland on its grounds.
The Rock of Cashel and Tipperary
Ringed by a defensive stone wall and sitting on top of a craggy, brooding hill, the Rock of Cashel can sometimes look like a horror movie scene, especially with dark rain clouds surrounding it! Although now a ruin (albeit a largely intact one), it was once the seat of the kings of Munster before being donated to the Church in 1101. Almost all of the surviving structures are religious in nature and date from the 12th and 13th centuries; they include a cathedral, round tower, chapel and high crosses.
Two highly important archaeological finds occurred not too far from the Rock of Cashel; one, the Derrynaflan Hoard with it’s paten and chalice; and two, the Faddan More Psalter, the most recent (and arguably the most important) discovery of an ancient artefact in Ireland. The most significant item of the Derrynaflan Hoard is the silver paten, used for serving communion wafers to congregations during masses and other ceremonies.
Along with it was a matching silver chalice, similar in style and most likely based on the magnificent Ardagh Chalice. The paten was assembled from more than 300 pieces, including a beaten silver dish with twelve gilt-bronze frames along a bronze rim - each one decorated with two gold filigree panels and a decorative stud in the middle. Each panel is highly decorated with characteristic Celt patterns, as well as depictions of kneeling men and other human and animal motifs.
The Faddan More Psalter is another artefact from the Early Christian period. Discovered in a bog in 2006, it consists of 60 pages of vellum detailing the standard 150 psalms written in iron gall ink with some minimal decoration in other colours. Although not as ornate or in anywhere near as good condition as that other famous Irish book, the Book of Kells, the Psalter is hugely important because it is one of the earliest surviving objects of its kind in the entire world. Preservation work on the Psalter is still ongoing.
The Garden of Ireland
Just a short distance from Dublin and a favourite day-trip destination for many residents of the capital, county Wicklow (or the ‘garden of Ireland’) has plenty of history to it, both ancient and modern. The most well known and well loved site along the Ancient East’s Wicklow trail is Glendalough, a spectacular slice of Irish landscape with glassy lakes, lush forests and soaring hills. In the 6th century AD St. Kevin founded a monastery at the foot of the lake, which expanded over 600 years to include a cathedral, round tower, workshops, a primitive hospital, farm buildings and places of residence and prayer for the monks.
Not too far away is Bray, the Georgian coastal resort town that’s home to one of the most stately 18th century mansions in Ireland, Kilruddery House. This Elizabethan estate is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and is another popular shooting location for films and TV shows - two popular examples are The Tudors and My Left Foot. Another nearby fairytale palace is Powerscourt Estate, again dating from the 18th century. Ireland’s largest waterfall (121 metres) is within the grounds of the estate.
Another Wicklow town, Greystones, was the site of a recent archaeological find; the Wicklow pipes. This set of six wooden pipes was discovered in 2003 in remarkably good condition, considering they were made of wood and are over 4,000 years old! This period of Irish history marked the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, when inhabitants of the island had limited but rapidly increasing manual skills. That’s why the skill it would have taken to craft these wooden pipes - boring or drilling out even holes - would have been great, especially when the maker had few tools at his disposal. The pipes are most likely the oldest surviving musical instrument in Ireland.
Viking Waterford
Believe it or not, the oldest city in Ireland is not Dublin - it’s Waterford! This coastal city in the sunny south east was founded by Vikings in 853 AD (over 30 years before Dublin) and much of their legacy still remains. The city centre is known as the Viking Triangle and is still in the same layout as the original settler’s town. Reginald’s tower on the waterfront actually dates from Viking times, and was built by the first Viking leader to settle in the area.
While Waterford has a long and interesting history, there’s one item of exquisite metalwork that stands out from the rest; the Lismore Crozier. Discovered behind a doorway in Lismore Castle in county Waterford, it dates from the 12th century and is a much more ornate version of the Clonmacnoise Crozier.
Other points of Interest along Ireland’s Ancient EastCork:
Known as the ‘real capital’ or the ‘rebel county’ by the locals, Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and is built around one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Another region with a rich and far reaching history, Cork city began as a monastic settlement in the 6th century and was later expanded by Vikings. Don’t miss a trip to Blarney Castle, where you can climb up to the top, hang upside down over a ledge, and kiss the Blarney Stone to gain the gift of everlasting eloquence. It was crafted from a copper-alloy cast in one single piece, and both sides are elaborately decorated with studs and typical Celtic motifs. The outer edge has a crest of three open mouthed animals intertwined with Celtic lacing and knots.
Claddagh Design is based in Cork. From our workshop in Macroom, we produce Irish Inspired handmade jewelry.
Kilkenny:
Often titled the ‘medieval capital of Ireland’, Kilkenny’s history stretched back well over 500 years. Right in the city centre is the imposing Kilkenny Castle, with the other main historical site, St. Canice’s Cathedral, linked to it by the ‘medieval mile’ - a series of narrow streets and cobbled alleyways lined with buildings dating from medieval times. A short distance from the city is Jerpoint Abbey, one of the best preserved abbeys in all of Ireland. Founded in 1180, its interior has stone carvings and decoration that are an excellent example of the transition from Norman to English architecture styles that was prominent during the period.
There has been a lot of attention recently - both in Ireland and internationally - around a little something called ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’. Simply put, it’s a tourism trail that criss-crosses most of the eastern half of the country, stopping off at all of the most beautiful and historically significant spots along the way. It was launched last month as a partner to the Wild Atlantic Way, a route that follows the entire western coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork. And as you may have guessed, plenty of our favourite ancient jewellery pieces originated in places along the route!
‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ tracks 5,000 years of Irish history over four periods; Ancient Ireland, when the Celts and their ancestors reigned supreme; Early Christian Ireland, when monasteries sprang up across the country and skilled monks crafted some of our most famous artefacts; Medieval Ireland, when Vikings raided and later settled along the coast, swapping trades and skills with the natives; and finally Anglo Ireland, when sophisticated lords and ladies constructed sprawling country mansions in some of the most picturesque spots on the island. Here’s a rundown of what there is to see along the Ancient East route, and which of our most prized ancient possessions once lay buried underneath it.
Bru na Boinne
Bru na Boinne, or the ‘Palace of the Boyne’ in the Boyne Valley, is one of the most important megalithic sites in all of Europe. This hilly valley is dotted with megalithic stone monuments for miles in every direction, and there has been human activity in the area as far back as 3,500 BC. Within its boundaries are two of the most important Irish prehistoric sites; Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. Meticulously planned and expertly built by ancient people using nothing but their minds and their hands, Newgrange is still in astoundingly good condition - not one drop of water has found its way into the interior of this passage tomb over 5,000 years! Used as a burial chamber for the most important members of these ancient societies, the tomb is aligned in such a way that each winter solstice, the first rays of the rising sun shine directly into its centre, lighting it up in a truly magical fashion.
A short distance from Newgrange is the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. This site was where kings were crowned, huge festivals were celebrated, large gatherings occurred, and more - essentially it was the spiritual and political heart of Celtic society. The grass-covered foundations of the Rath Riogh (Royal Fort) is where the king’s residence once would have stood. In its centre is the Stone of Destiny - legends claim it would cry out when the rightful king touched it, and the cry would be heard all over the country.
Plenty of Celtic (and older) paraphernalia has been found on both sites, including urns and coins dating from the Roman period. What it’s most famous for however is the Tara Brooch - which is funny because despite the name, the brooch was actually found some distance away on a beach in county Louth! Dating from around 700 AD, this silver pseudo-penannular brooch has some of the most beautiful and intricate work to be found on any piece of jewellery, and is elaborately decorated with gold filigree panels, silver and copper inlay, and amber, enamel and glass studs. It is covered with typical Celtic interlacing patterns, animal imagery, knots and much more - all on one (relatively) small object. (Did you know we created a brooch inspired by the Tara brooch for a customer whofound our Custom Jewelry page?)
Clonmacnoise and County Offaly
When it comes to early Christian sites, Clonmacnoise is by far the most significant in all of Ireland. Founded in 544 AD by St. Ciaran when Christianity was starting to gain a firm foothold in the country, it was by far the most well known monastery in the land from the outset right up until the 12th century. Not just a training ground for monks and bishops, it was also an important centre of learning, trade and craftsmanship. It was also a close ally of the kings of Ireland (especially the kings of Meath, arguably the most powerful kingdom), many of whom were buried on the grounds.
The Clonmacnoise Crozier was one of the treasures crafted at the monastery by expertly skilled monks. Crafted around the year 1100 AD, it is made from bronze with silver and niello inlay in the form of interlacing ribbons and snakes. Along the top is a ridge of sculpted dogs racing towards the top of the handle, which ends in a sculpted bearded head. The shaft is also richly decorated with floral patterns and blue glass studs. A symbol of power and status for the bishops and abbots, the crozier would have been used when they were presiding over important ceremonies. The Ancient East trail stops off at some other must see spots in county Offaly following Clonmacnoise. One is the largest Norman castle in Ireland, Trim Castle, which was used as one of the locations in Braveheart. Also worth a look is Birr Castle, which has the still functioning Great Telescope from 1845 (at the time, it was the biggest and most accurate telescope in the entire world), the oldest surviving darkroom in the world, and the oldest wrought-iron bridge in Ireland on its grounds.
The Rock of Cashel and Tipperary
Ringed by a defensive stone wall and sitting on top of a craggy, brooding hill, the Rock of Cashel can sometimes look like a horror movie scene, especially with dark rain clouds surrounding it! Although now a ruin (albeit a largely intact one), it was once the seat of the kings of Munster before being donated to the Church in 1101. Almost all of the surviving structures are religious in nature and date from the 12th and 13th centuries; they include a cathedral, round tower, chapel and high crosses.
Two highly important archaeological finds occurred not too far from the Rock of Cashel; one, the Derrynaflan Hoard with it’s paten and chalice; and two, the Faddan More Psalter, the most recent (and arguably the most important) discovery of an ancient artefact in Ireland. The most significant item of the Derrynaflan Hoard is the silver paten, used for serving communion wafers to congregations during masses and other ceremonies. Along with it was a matching silver chalice, similar in style and most likely based on the magnificent Ardagh Chalice.
The paten was assembled from more than 300 pieces, including a beaten silver dish with twelve gilt-bronze frames along a bronze rim - each one decorated with two gold filigree panels and a decorative stud in the middle. Each panel is highly decorated with characteristic Celt patterns, as well as depictions of kneeling men and other human and animal motifs. The Faddan More Psalter is another artefact from the Early Christian period. Discovered in a bog in 2006, it consists of 60 pages of vellum detailing the standard 150 psalms written in iron gall ink with some minimal decoration in other colours. Although not as ornate or in anywhere near as good condition as that other famous Irish book, the Book of Kells, the Psalter is hugely important because it is one of the earliest surviving objects of its kind in the entire world. Preservation work on the Psalter is still ongoing.
The Garden of Ireland
Just a short distance from Dublin and a favourite day-trip destination for many residents of the capital, county Wicklow (or the ‘garden of Ireland’) has plenty of history to it, both ancient and modern. The most well known and well loved site along the Ancient East’s Wicklow trail is Glendalough, a spectacular slice of Irish landscape with glassy lakes, lush forests and soaring hills. In the 6th century AD St. Kevin founded a monastery at the foot of the lake, which expanded over 600 years to include a cathedral, round tower, workshops, a primitive hospital, farm buildings and places of residence and prayer for the monks.
Not too far away is Bray, the Georgian coastal resort town that’s home to one of the most stately 18th century mansions in Ireland, Kilruddery House. This Elizabethan estate is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and is another popular shooting location for films and TV shows - two popular examples are The Tudors and My Left Foot. Another nearby fairytale palace is Powerscourt Estate, again dating from the 18th century. Ireland’s largest waterfall (121 metres) is within the grounds of the estate. Another Wicklow town, Greystones, was the site of a recent archaeological find; the Wicklow pipes. This set of six wooden pipes was discovered in 2003 in remarkably good condition, considering they were made of wood and are over 4,000 years old! This period of Irish history marked the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, when inhabitants of the island had limited but rapidly increasing manual skills. That’s why the skill it would have taken to craft these wooden pipes - boring or drilling out even holes - would have been great, especially when the maker had few tools at his disposal. The pipes are most likely the oldest surviving musical instrument in Ireland.
Viking Waterford
Believe it or not, the oldest city in Ireland is not Dublin - it’s Waterford! This coastal city in the sunny south east was founded by Vikings in 853 AD (over 30 years before Dublin) and much of their legacy still remains. The city centre is known as the Viking Triangle and is still in the same layout as the original settler’s town. Reginald’s tower on the waterfront actually dates from Viking times, and was built by the first Viking leader to settle in the area. While Waterford has a long and interesting history, there’s one item of exquisite metalwork that stands out from the rest; the Lismore Crozier. Discovered behind a doorway in Lismore Castle in county Waterford, it dates from the 12th century and is a much more ornate version of the Clonmacnoise Crozier.
Other points of Interest along Ireland’s Ancient East
Cork:
Known as the ‘real capital’ or the ‘rebel county’ by the locals, Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and is built around one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Another region with a rich and far reaching history, Cork city began as a monastic settlement in the 6th century and was later expanded by Vikings. Don’t miss a trip to Blarney Castle, where you can climb up to the top, hang upside down over a ledge, and kiss the Blarney Stone to gain the gift of everlasting eloquence. It was crafted from a copper-alloy cast in one single piece, and both sides are elaborately decorated with studs and typical Celtic motifs. The outer edge has a crest of three open mouthed animals intertwined with Celtic lacing and knots.
Claddagh Design is based in Cork. From our workshop in Macroom, we produce Irish Inspired handmade jewelry.
Kilkenny:
Often titled the ‘medieval capital of Ireland’, Kilkenny’s history stretched back well over 500 years. Right in the city centre is the imposing Kilkenny Castle, with the other main historical site, St. Canice’s Cathedral, linked to it by the ‘medieval mile’ - a series of narrow streets and cobbled alleyways lined with buildings dating from medieval times. A short distance from the city is Jerpoint Abbey, one of the best preserved abbeys in all of Ireland. Founded in 1180, its interior has stone carvings and decoration that are an excellent example of the transition from Norman to English architecture styles that was prominent during the period.