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The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.

During the Early Bronze Age the principal gold products were made from sheet gold, and include sundiscs and the crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

Styles changed again around 900 BC - the Late Bronze Age - and the goldwork of this period can be divided into two main types. Solid objects such as bracelets and dress-fasteners contrast dramatically with large sheet gold collars and delicate ear-spools.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology's gold collection owes its existence to the vision of the Royal Irish Academy.
From its foundation in 1785, the Academy devoted much time and effort to collecting archaeological objects from Ireland. Since its transfer in 1890 to the Museum of Science and Art (now the National Museum of Ireland) the collection has continued to grow by means of new discoveries and the acquisition of private collections.

The immense quantity of Bronze Age gold from Ireland suggests that rich ore sources were known. Although gold has been found in Ireland at a number of locations, particularly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Tyrone, it has not yet been possible to identify the ancient sources where gold was found.
The sites most likely to have been recognised and exploited by prehistoric people are alluvial deposits from rivers and streams. This ‘placer’ gold is weathered out from parent rock and can be recovered using simple techniques such as panning.

In Europe, the earliest evidence for goldworking dates to the fifth millennium BC. By the end of the third millennium goldworking had become well established in Ireland and Britain together with a highly productive copper and bronzeworking industry.

While we do not know precisely how the late Neolithic people of Ireland became familiar with metalworking, it is clear that it was introduced as a fully developed technique. Essential metalworking skills must have been introduced by people already experienced at all levels of production, from ore identification and recovery through all stages of the manufacturing process.

Throughout the 20th Century the collection has continued to grow. The discovery in 1932 of a gold collar at Gleninsheen, Co. Clare added another important object to the collection and in each succeeding decade new discoveries were made throughout the country.

Several important private collections were also acquired. The discovery of the hoard of boxes, discs and dress-fasteners at Ballinesker, Co. Wexford in September 1990 and the purchase of the Northumberland Collection in December 1990 have enriched the national collections immeasurably.

The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.

During the Early Bronze Age the principal gold products were made from sheet gold, and include sundiscs and the crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

Styles changed again around 900 BC - the Late Bronze Age - and the goldwork of this period can be divided into two main types. Solid objects such as bracelets and dress-fasteners contrast dramatically with large sheet gold collars and delicate ear-spools.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology's gold collection owes its existence to the vision of the Royal Irish Academy.
From its foundation in 1785, the Academy devoted much time and effort to collecting archaeological objects from Ireland. Since its transfer in 1890 to the Museum of Science and Art (now the National Museum of Ireland) the collection has continued to grow by means of new discoveries and the acquisition of private collections.

The immense quantity of Bronze Age gold from Ireland suggests that rich ore sources were known. Although gold has been found in Ireland at a number of locations, particularly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Tyrone, it has not yet been possible to identify the ancient sources where gold was found.
The sites most likely to have been recognised and exploited by prehistoric people are alluvial deposits from rivers and streams. This ‘placer’ gold is weathered out from parent rock and can be recovered using simple techniques such as panning.

In Europe, the earliest evidence for goldworking dates to the fifth millennium BC. By the end of the third millennium goldworking had become well established in Ireland and Britain together with a highly productive copper and bronzeworking industry.

While we do not know precisely how the late Neolithic people of Ireland became familiar with metalworking, it is clear that it was introduced as a fully developed technique. Essential metalworking skills must have been introduced by people already experienced at all levels of production, from ore identification and recovery through all stages of the manufacturing process.

Throughout the 20th Century the collection has continued to grow. The discovery in 1932 of a gold collar at Gleninsheen, Co. Clare added another important object to the collection and in each succeeding decade new discoveries were made throughout the country.

Several important private collections were also acquired. The discovery of the hoard of boxes, discs and dress-fasteners at Ballinesker, Co. Wexford in September 1990 and the purchase of the Northumberland Collection in December 1990 have enriched the national collections immeasurably.

The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.

During the Early Bronze Age the principal gold products were made from sheet gold, and include sundiscs and the crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

Styles changed again around 900 BC - the Late Bronze Age - and the goldwork of this period can be divided into two main types. Solid objects such as bracelets and dress-fasteners contrast dramatically with large sheet gold collars and delicate ear-spools.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology's gold collection owes its existence to the vision of the Royal Irish Academy.
From its foundation in 1785, the Academy devoted much time and effort to collecting archaeological objects from Ireland. Since its transfer in 1890 to the Museum of Science and Art (now the National Museum of Ireland) the collection has continued to grow by means of new discoveries and the acquisition of private collections.

The immense quantity of Bronze Age gold from Ireland suggests that rich ore sources were known. Although gold has been found in Ireland at a number of locations, particularly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Tyrone, it has not yet been possible to identify the ancient sources where gold was found.
The sites most likely to have been recognised and exploited by prehistoric people are alluvial deposits from rivers and streams. This ‘placer’ gold is weathered out from parent rock and can be recovered using simple techniques such as panning.

In Europe, the earliest evidence for goldworking dates to the fifth millennium BC. By the end of the third millennium goldworking had become well established in Ireland and Britain together with a highly productive copper and bronzeworking industry.

While we do not know precisely how the late Neolithic people of Ireland became familiar with metalworking, it is clear that it was introduced as a fully developed technique. Essential metalworking skills must have been introduced by people already experienced at all levels of production, from ore identification and recovery through all stages of the manufacturing process.

Throughout the 20th Century the collection has continued to grow. The discovery in 1932 of a gold collar at Gleninsheen, Co. Clare added another important object to the collection and in each succeeding decade new discoveries were made throughout the country.

Several important private collections were also acquired. The discovery of the hoard of boxes, discs and dress-fasteners at Ballinesker, Co. Wexford in September 1990 and the purchase of the Northumberland Collection in December 1990 have enriched the national collections immeasurably.

Discovered near Giants Causeway Co. Antrim and Tipper South Co. Kildare, Ireland

The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.

During the Early Bronze Age the principal gold products were made from sheet gold, and include sundiscs and the crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

Styles changed again around 900 BC - the Late Bronze Age - and the goldwork of this period can be divided into two main types. Solid objects such as bracelets and dress-fasteners contrast dramatically with large sheet gold collars and delicate ear-spools.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology's gold collection owes its existence to the vision of the Royal Irish Academy.
From its foundation in 1785, the Academy devoted much time and effort to collecting archaeological objects from Ireland. Since its transfer in 1890 to the Museum of Science and Art (now the National Museum of Ireland) the collection has continued to grow by means of new discoveries and the acquisition of private collections.

The immense quantity of Bronze Age gold from Ireland suggests that rich ore sources were known. Although gold has been found in Ireland at a number of locations, particularly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Tyrone, it has not yet been possible to identify the ancient sources where gold was found.
The sites most likely to have been recognised and exploited by prehistoric people are alluvial deposits from rivers and streams. This ‘placer’ gold is weathered out from parent rock and can be recovered using simple techniques such as panning.

In Europe, the earliest evidence for goldworking dates to the fifth millennium BC. By the end of the third millennium goldworking had become well established in Ireland and Britain together with a highly productive copper and bronzeworking industry.

While we do not know precisely how the late Neolithic people of Ireland became familiar with metalworking, it is clear that it was introduced as a fully developed technique. Essential metalworking skills must have been introduced by people already experienced at all levels of production, from ore identification and recovery through all stages of the manufacturing process.

Throughout the 20th Century the collection has continued to grow. The discovery in 1932 of a gold collar at Gleninsheen, Co. Clare added another important object to the collection and in each succeeding decade new discoveries were made throughout the country.

Several important private collections were also acquired. The discovery of the hoard of boxes, discs and dress-fasteners at Ballinesker, Co. Wexford in September 1990 and the purchase of the Northumberland Collection in December 1990 have enriched the national collections immeasurably.

The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.

During the Early Bronze Age the principal gold products were made from sheet gold, and include sundiscs and the crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

Styles changed again around 900 BC - the Late Bronze Age - and the goldwork of this period can be divided into two main types. Solid objects such as bracelets and dress-fasteners contrast dramatically with large sheet gold collars and delicate ear-spools.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology's gold collection owes its existence to the vision of the Royal Irish Academy.
From its foundation in 1785, the Academy devoted much time and effort to collecting archaeological objects from Ireland. Since its transfer in 1890 to the Museum of Science and Art (now the National Museum of Ireland) the collection has continued to grow by means of new discoveries and the acquisition of private collections.

The immense quantity of Bronze Age gold from Ireland suggests that rich ore sources were known. Although gold has been found in Ireland at a number of locations, particularly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Tyrone, it has not yet been possible to identify the ancient sources where gold was found.
The sites most likely to have been recognised and exploited by prehistoric people are alluvial deposits from rivers and streams. This ‘placer’ gold is weathered out from parent rock and can be recovered using simple techniques such as panning.

In Europe, the earliest evidence for goldworking dates to the fifth millennium BC. By the end of the third millennium goldworking had become well established in Ireland and Britain together with a highly productive copper and bronzeworking industry.

While we do not know precisely how the late Neolithic people of Ireland became familiar with metalworking, it is clear that it was introduced as a fully developed technique. Essential metalworking skills must have been introduced by people already experienced at all levels of production, from ore identification and recovery through all stages of the manufacturing process.

Throughout the 20th Century the collection has continued to grow. The discovery in 1932 of a gold collar at Gleninsheen, Co. Clare added another important object to the collection and in each succeeding decade new discoveries were made throughout the country.

Several important private collections were also acquired. The discovery of the hoard of boxes, discs and dress-fasteners at Ballinesker, Co. Wexford in September 1990 and the purchase of the Northumberland Collection in December 1990 have enriched the national collections immeasurably.

The most sumptuous Irish Iron Age gold collar was found in a hoard of gold objects close to the ancient shore of Lough Foyle at Broighter, Co. Derry.

The large tubular neck ornament has buffer-terminals and is decorated on the ring with raised and incised ornament. Stylised bird and horse motifs are present on the raised ornament which is accentuated by incised concentric arcs on the background. The terminals are fitted with a mortise and tenon device that fastened the collar.

Collars are especially associated with Celtic kings and gods. The sea god Manannán mac Lir was associated with Lough Foyle and may have had special significance for a local king, perhaps as a protective deity or divine ancestor. The placename Broighter is derived from the Irish name Brú Íochtair. In early Irish mythology a brú was a residence of a god while the term íochtair means ‘lower’. The placename may therefore be a reference to the underwater residence of Manannán mac Lir. The presence of a highly stylised horse on the collar would be appropriate as the horse was an animal with special significance for the sea god.

The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.

During the Early Bronze Age the principal gold products were made from sheet gold, and include sundiscs and the crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

Styles changed again around 900 BC - the Late Bronze Age - and the goldwork of this period can be divided into two main types. Solid objects such as bracelets and dress-fasteners contrast dramatically with large sheet gold collars and delicate ear-spools.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology's gold collection owes its existence to the vision of the Royal Irish Academy.
From its foundation in 1785, the Academy devoted much time and effort to collecting archaeological objects from Ireland. Since its transfer in 1890 to the Museum of Science and Art (now the National Museum of Ireland) the collection has continued to grow by means of new discoveries and the acquisition of private collections.

The immense quantity of Bronze Age gold from Ireland suggests that rich ore sources were known. Although gold has been found in Ireland at a number of locations, particularly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Tyrone, it has not yet been possible to identify the ancient sources where gold was found.
The sites most likely to have been recognised and exploited by prehistoric people are alluvial deposits from rivers and streams. This ‘placer’ gold is weathered out from parent rock and can be recovered using simple techniques such as panning.

In Europe, the earliest evidence for goldworking dates to the fifth millennium BC. By the end of the third millennium goldworking had become well established in Ireland and Britain together with a highly productive copper and bronzeworking industry.

While we do not know precisely how the late Neolithic people of Ireland became familiar with metalworking, it is clear that it was introduced as a fully developed technique. Essential metalworking skills must have been introduced by people already experienced at all levels of production, from ore identification and recovery through all stages of the manufacturing process.

Throughout the 20th Century the collection has continued to grow. The discovery in 1932 of a gold collar at Gleninsheen, Co. Clare added another important object to the collection and in each succeeding decade new discoveries were made throughout the country.

Several important private collections were also acquired. The discovery of the hoard of boxes, discs and dress-fasteners at Ballinesker, Co. Wexford in September 1990 and the purchase of the Northumberland Collection in December 1990 have enriched the national collections immeasurably.

Hoard of gold dress fasteners, a gold bracelet, two gold ear spools contatining gold pellets

The collection of prehistoric goldwork ranges in date between 2200 BC and 500 BC. Most are pieces of jewellery but the precise function of some is unknown.

During the Early Bronze Age the principal gold products were made from sheet gold, and include sundiscs and the crescentic gold collars called lunulae.

Around 1200 BC new gold working techniques were developed. During this time a great variety of torcs were made by twisting bars or strips of gold.

Styles changed again around 900 BC - the Late Bronze Age - and the goldwork of this period can be divided into two main types. Solid objects such as bracelets and dress-fasteners contrast dramatically with large sheet gold collars and delicate ear-spools.

The National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology's gold collection owes its existence to the vision of the Royal Irish Academy.
From its foundation in 1785, the Academy devoted much time and effort to collecting archaeological objects from Ireland. Since its transfer in 1890 to the Museum of Science and Art (now the National Museum of Ireland) the collection has continued to grow by means of new discoveries and the acquisition of private collections.

The immense quantity of Bronze Age gold from Ireland suggests that rich ore sources were known. Although gold has been found in Ireland at a number of locations, particularly in Co. Wicklow and Co. Tyrone, it has not yet been possible to identify the ancient sources where gold was found.
The sites most likely to have been recognised and exploited by prehistoric people are alluvial deposits from rivers and streams. This ‘placer’ gold is weathered out from parent rock and can be recovered using simple techniques such as panning.

In Europe, the earliest evidence for goldworking dates to the fifth millennium BC. By the end of the third millennium goldworking had become well established in Ireland and Britain together with a highly productive copper and bronzeworking industry.

While we do not know precisely how the late Neolithic people of Ireland became familiar with metalworking, it is clear that it was introduced as a fully developed technique. Essential metalworking skills must have been introduced by people already experienced at all levels of production, from ore identification and recovery through all stages of the manufacturing process.

Throughout the 20th Century the collection has continued to grow. The discovery in 1932 of a gold collar at Gleninsheen, Co. Clare added another important object to the collection and in each succeeding decade new discoveries were made throughout the country.

Several important private collections were also acquired. The discovery of the hoard of boxes, discs and dress-fasteners at Ballinesker, Co. Wexford in September 1990 and the purchase of the Northumberland Collection in December 1990 have enriched the national collections immeasurably.