Iron Age 500 B.C. - 400 A.D.

The name 'Iron Age' comes from the prevalent use of iron in the making of weapons and tools during this period. The Iron Age also saw the arrival of the Celts in Ireland and the introduction of La Tène designs on stone sculptures and metal ornaments. La Tène designs include spirals, leaves, vines, trumpets, and triskeles.

 

Turoe Stone, Co. Galway  

The pattern on top of the stone is sculpted in low relief. The design is in four segments, two semicircles and two triangles. The intertwining shapes include leaves, vines, trumpet ends and spirals, all flowing in a casual symmetry.

Broighter Collar

This is a gold collar found in Co. Derry dating form the 1^st century B.C. The La Tène patterns were created using the repoussé technique.

Petrie Crown

The Petrie Crown is an incomplete bronze ornament believed to be a crown from the 1^st century A.D. Circular discs are attached to a circular bronze band and decorated with spiral curves.