Early Irish Art
Newgrange
The earliest art to survive in Ireland is from the Stone Age. It dates to about 3,500BC. Most of this art is found at megalithic tombs. It is made up of designs, for example spirals and zig-zags. Sometimes there are flower designs and faces as well.
Knowth, Co. Meath. Orthostat 49
Knowth, Co. Meath. Orthostat 49: This abstracted face guards the entrance to the chamber at Knowth.
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local GovernmentKnowth, Co. Meath. Orthostat 49
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Knowth, Co. Meath. Orthostat 49
Knowth, Co. Meath. Orthostat 49: This abstracted face guards the entrance to the chamber at Knowth.
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Loughcrew, Co. Meath Orthostat C8, Cairn T
Loughcrew, Co. Meath Orthostat C8, Cairn T: Some of the ornament at Loughcrew appears more naturalistic than the art found in the Boyne valley. Some designs look like simplified flowers.
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local GovernmentLoughcrew, Co. Meath Orthostat C8, Cairn T
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Loughcrew, Co. Meath Orthostat C8, Cairn T
Loughcrew, Co. Meath Orthostat C8, Cairn T: Some of the ornament at Loughcrew appears more naturalistic than the art found in the Boyne valley. Some designs look like simplified flowers.
Courtesy of the Photographic Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local GovernmentThese designs are carved into the huge stones at these tombs. They are also found on pottery and other objects inside them. These designs were probably painted on objects and carved onto wood as well. However, materials like paint and wood do not survive today.
Most of this type of art is found at the megalithic tombs at Newgrange and Knowth in the Boyne Valley in Co. Meath. There is also some at Loughcrew in Co. Meath. This type of art is also found in Iberia and Brittany.
The Iron Age
It continued to be popular into the Iron Age. The artists also began to create more detailed designs, including birds and animals.
Petrie crown
Petrie crown. This broken ceremonial headdress is decorated with spirals that terminate in small birds’ heads.
Courtesy of the National Museum of IrelandPetrie crown
Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland
Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland
Petrie crown
Petrie crown. This broken ceremonial headdress is decorated with spirals that terminate in small birds’ heads.
Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland
Tara brooch
Although dating to the 8th century AD this brooch is decorated with spirals that derive from the Celtic tradition.
Courtesy of the National Museum of IrelandTara brooch
Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland
Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland
Tara brooch
Although dating to the 8th century AD this brooch is decorated with spirals that derive from the Celtic tradition.
Courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland
Examples of Celtic metalwork include the Petire Crown, the Broighter Gold Collar and the Tara Brooch.
Today
Today, this early style of Irish art is still very popular. It is seen as an Irish national style. It is found on many tourist gifts, on company logos and in tattoo art.