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Famous gold hoard to go on display
15.11.13
ONE of Ireland's most
historic collections of ornamental gold - the
Broighter Hoard - will go on show shortly at Derry's
Tower Museum.
Ploughed up in 1896 near Broighter, Limavady, by two
local farmers, the people of the North West will now
have the opportunity to see the unique treasure
trove free of charge courtesy of the National
Museum.
Mayor of Derry Cllr Martin Reilly said: "This
exhibition will allow the public to view the
incredible ornate artefacts of gold as well as hear
the story of the region’s deep archaeological and
human connection to the pieces." |
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Some of the pieces that form part of
the stunning Iron Age Broighter Hoard that is set to
go on public display in Derry. |
The famous hoard
includes jewellery, a 7-inch-long gold boat and a
gold torc and bowl.
The gold ship has featured as a motif on the last
Irish one punt coins.
Tower Museum curator Roisin Doherty added: “The
Broighter Hoard is a magnificent collection of gold
objects dating back to the Iron Age, as far back as
1st Century BC. The exhibition allows the
public...to learn of the intrigue surrounding the
circumstances of its discovery and the idea that the
gold may have been an offering to the ancient Celtic
gods."
The Broighter Hoard is currently back home in
Limavady where the exhibition is now on display in
the town's Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre until
November 23.
It will then be taken to to the Tower Museum for
display from November 27 - December 8. Daily opening
times for the Tower Museum are from 10am-5.00pm
(Late night opening until 9pm on Thurs 28th Nov, Fri
29th Nov, Thurs 5th Dec & Fri 6th Dec). Admission is
free. The arrival of the Broighter Hoard exhibition
in Derry will be accompanied by a day of free family
arts and crafts activity on Saturday 30th November
and 7th December 2013 at the Tower Museum. For
further information contact the Tower Museum. |
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