The Tara Brooch

The Irish tradition of metal working goes back over three thousand years to the Bronze Age. In those days, everyday items, such as swords and knives, were made of iron. However, bronze, silver and gold were used in the design of brooches, pins, rings, buckles, crosses and chalices.

The design of the Tara Brooch was in vogue in Ireland from about the 3rd century AD to the 10th century. Used as ornamental cloak fastenings, brooches were normally made of bronze and consisted of a gapped loop and a free-swiveling pin. The pin was stuck through folds of cloth and the hoop rotated underneath it. The Tara Brooch is a classic example of Bronze Age craftsmanship, made in Ireland circa 700 AD. Discovered around 1850 in Bettystown, Co. Meath, it is exquisitely made in silver and gilt, decorated with interlacing patterns, spiral and trumpet devices, silver framed glass studs and gold filigree. The Tara Brooch can now be found in the National Museum Dublin. It not only reflects the Golden Age of Irish Art in the 8th and 9th century, but it also serves as proof that nobility and prosperity were present at that time in Ireland.