Main pic: A bronze brooch, similar to the one discovered in Donegal. Pic: National Museum of Ireland (NMI).
Two historical items discovered in Donegal over the past 12 months could be up to 1,000 years ago.
The National Museum of Ireland (NMI) confirmed to Donegal Daily that articles discovered in the county and reported to them included a bronze brooch and an iron axe.
Both items are currently undergoing ‘conservation and study’, so aren’t available to be viewed or photographed at present. Similar discoveries in the south of the country were reputed to date from the 12th or 13th century.
“Archaeological objects have been discovered and reported in counties across Ireland over the last 12 months, including Donegal, where reported objects included a bronze brooch and an iron axe,” an NMI spokesperson said.
“The National Museum of Ireland works closely with colleagues in local museums in this process. Conservation and research are ongoing on these and other objects acquired over the past year.”
An Iron axe, similar to the one discovered in Donegal. Pic: National Museum of Ireland (NMI).
Members of the public who find archaeological objects, by whatever means, are legally obliged to report the discovery to the National Museum.
“It is part of the National Museum of Ireland’s remit to collect and preserve these objects on behalf of everyone in the State, so that they are available for generations to come.”
Earlier this month, we reported that a number of batches of human remains from Donegal were among the archaeological finds handed into the NMI since July 2023.
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