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Thread: Ireland has a rich heritage of Gaelic artwork. These are objects created by the Celtic-speaking peoples of the island. They range from magnificent gold jewellery to stunningly illuminated manuscripts. Let’s take a look at some masterpieces to celebrate #StPatricksDay 
The Book of Kells (c800AD) is the most important Gaelic treasure in Ireland. It is a copy of the gospels created by four gifted scribes. When it was seen by Gerald of Wales in the 12th C he was convinced that the manuscript was the work of Angels; you can see why!
The Loughnashade Trumpet (c100BC) was found in Armagh & is a bronze masterpiece. The end plate is decorated in the classic Celtic La Tenè style with its sinuous curves & careful balance. I use La Tenè balance in my own work, so this is an important object to me.
I’m currently running a project to make some of my work affordable for everyone:
The Ardagh Chalice is part of an 8th C AD hoard. It is one of the finest groups of Insular/Gaelic metalwork & is housed in the National Museum of Ireland. The decoration is subtle with silver contrasted with rich gold filigree work & enamel studs.
The Book of Ballymote (1390-1) is chiefly written in Middle Irish by Manus O’Duignan. It includes topics such as the history of the Jews, St Patrick, a physical & geological survey of Ireland & sagas of the Fianna & Brian Boru. There’s also an account of Ogham writing too!
The Petrie Crown (c100BC-200AD) was found in Cork. Experts are divided on whether it is a headpiece or not. However it is a superb example of La Tené form. Some have suggested that it may be part of ceremonial tackle for a horse.
The Yellow Book of Lecan (c1391-1401AD) is a magnificent late medieval period manuscript, containing stories from the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology, that is written in Middle Irish. The manuscript is in the collections of Trinity College, Dublin.
The Moone High Cross in County Kildare dates from the 8th C AD. It is one of the tallest & most original of the Gaelic crosses found throughout the island. It is richly carved with biblical scenes & a key landmark in the development of medieval art.
The Book of the de Burgos (c1570s) is a genealogical tome charting the important Burke clan. It is written in Irish & contains a number of vibrant images of the aristocratic Burkes. It is the illustrations that make this an arresting & dramatic manuscript @DeclanBurke2
The Derrynaflan Chalice & Paten (c8-9th C AD) were discovered in County Tipperary & are considered one of the most exquisite Gaelic medieval ecclesiastical sets to have been found. To compare & contrast with the Ardagh Hoard is fascinating.
The Book of Leinster (c1160 AD) is an Irish medieval manuscript believed to have chiefly been written by Áed Ua Crimthainn. It is a vital source for Gaelic mythology, genealogy & literature. It contains the most complete version of the Táin Bó Cuailnge
The Tara Brooch (c650-750AD) is one of the chief treasures of the National Museum. Not only is it a superb example of Gaelic metalwork but it also had a role in catalysing the Celtic Revival. It is decorated with sophisticated Celtic-style knotwork & enamel.
The Cathach of St Columba (6th C AD) is the oldest surviving manuscript in Ireland & renowned for the beauty of it’s script & capitals. It is believed to have been written by St Columba sometime in the last two decades of the 6th C AD.
Lunulae are a uniquely Gaelic jewellery form & are made of gold in a crescent moon shape. You can read about one of these 4,000y old collars in this fascinating article: irisharchaeology.ie/2013/02/stolen…
The Garryduff Gold Bird is an Iron Age La Tenè masterpiece. It is just 1.5cm in width & is beautifully decorated with stunning spirals & is a characteristic form. It appears to be a wren (wrens have symbolic importance in Gaelic tradition)
The Book of Durrow (650-700AD) is a medieval manuscript created by Irish monks & now in the collections of Trinity College, Dublin. It is the oldest illuminated Gaelic copy of the gospels & famed for its carpet pages. These illuminations have influenced Irish art for centuries
The South Cross Ahenny (8-9th C AD) is one of the oldest high crosses & still shows the form of earlier wooden predecessors. It is handsomely decorated & includes carvings of biblical tales.
The Clones Gold Dress Fastener (c809-700BC) is a stunningly decorated artefact inscribed with ancient Gaelic forms. Given the work involved & the value of the large amount of Irish Gold, it must have belonged to a high status individual.
The Cross of Cong (12th C AD) was commissioned by Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht & High King of Ireland. It is a processional cross & includes a rock crystal, behind which a splinter of the ‘True Cross’ was said to be placed.
The Broighter Hoard (1st C AD) is a group of gold artefacts that was found in Limavady. The torc (collar) is considered the finest example of Irish La Tenè work. The boat is my favourite piece of Gaelic art.
