23rd February - Visit to National Museum

We were treated to a wonderful tour of the Treasury in the National Museum. Our tremendously knowledgeable tour guide, Dr Edel Bhreathnach, showed us the unique treasures of early medieval Ireland, discussing the development of Irish art from the Iron Age to the impact of the Vikings. She focussed on figures of animals that appear in the works on display and drew our attention to the remarkable skill with which they were executed. Of all the beautiful objects we examined, of course, the most outstanding were from the period of peak achievement: the Ardagh Chalice, the Derrynaflan Chalice and the Tara brooch. The feedback from all the participants was very positive.

Barbara