The Ardagh Chalice, dating from the 8th Century AD, is one of the greatest treasures that can be seen in Ireland today. The chalice is part of a number of objects that were found in 1868 when a young man went digging for potatoes at Reerasta Rath near Ardagh, County Limerick.

The two-handed Chalice was found with additional treasures including a bronze chalice and four gilt-silver brooches dating from the 8th to the 10th century A.D. It is likely that these treasures were concealed during the 10th century A.D.

The Ardagh Chalice stands at 17.8cm high and 19.5cm in diameter. It is a ‘calyx ministerialis’, which means it was used for dispensing Eucharistic wine to the congregation during the celebration of Catholic Mass. 

While its method of construction is Irish, the shape and form of the Ardagh Chalice is derivative of late Roman tableware.

The chalice, which is an elaborate construction of over two hundred and fifty main components, is made of beaten, lathe-polished spun silver in the bowl and the foot. The outside was then decorated elaborately with silver, gold, glass, multicolored enamels and amber. The attention to detail continues with the underside of the foot which is also beautifully decorated with polished rock crystal at the center.

The bowl is attached to the stem and foot by a bronze pin. The names of eleven apostles and St. Paul are inscribed in elegant script below the band of gold filigree and studs encircling the bowl. The letters are seen against a stippled background. Incised animal decoration, lightly engraved, can also be seen below two handle escutcheons, which are decorated with elaborate glass studs and filigree panels.

The Ardagh Chalice is a showcase and high point of early medieval craftsmanship and it ranks alongside the Tara Brooch and the Derrynaflan Paten. The Rings from Ireland Celtic Warrior Collection takes Ireland’s foremost treasure and interprets it in a wide-ranging collection of magnificent rings, bracelets, bangles, necklaces and earrings. 

Ladies Celtic Warrior Silver Wedding Band	Celtic Warrior Large Pendant with 18k Gold Bead	Celtic Warrior Bangle with 18k Gold Bead

The gold filigree band on the Chalice with its shield decorations, inspired the entire Celtic Warrior Collection. Whether you have just visited the Ardagh Chalice, which is housed at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, or whether you hope to view it some day, a piece from the Rings from Ireland Celtic Warrior Collection will provide lasting resonance.