Lough Gur Shield
Ancient treasures and wonders of Ireland, mysterious gems and gold, lost creatures and Irish wonders
The sun-shield of the Tuatha Dé Danann
This stunning battle-shield, cast from golden-hued shimmering bronze, was originally made during the bronze age. It is one of about two dozen similar shields of varying sizes found across the Irish Isles, and dates back to around 1000 BC.
Measuring around 71cm across, it began life as a flat sheet of bronze, which was then hammered over rounded shapes to produce the beautiful relfective circles we see on its surface. The central protective boss has seven concentric circles arranved aorund to to the rim, which has a turned edge for strength. The cross-handle at the back is riveted itno place, and more rivets hold loops for a cord by which the shield was hung from the shoulder.
The centre grip handle at the back of the shield speaks of a fluid, mobile style of fighting, not unlike Viking martial arts, and also bearing similarities to small medieval buckler shields. These types of shields would have served well for everything from duels to parades to mass battles. The purpose of the raised circular sections isn't clear, but some have speculated they may have been used to generate unique sounds in the din of battle, like a gong being rung, in order to direct warriors.
It was discovered among rushes in a bog near Lough Gur, a lake in County Limerick, which has been continually inhabited by humans since at least the Neolithic period, and probably far earlier, a sacred place associated with many legends. A local farm labourer struck it with his sickle and accidentally pierced it, then did the same thing again, before selling it to a local historian for the price of a ticket to America. The historian then sold it on to the Royal Irish Academy.
A replica of the shield can be found in Lough Gur museum, and Lough Gur can be found on the map below!
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