II.— Description of an ancient Irish Shrine, called the “ Mias Tighearnain.” 
By W. R. Wixoe, F.R.C.S.1., &e. 
Read 8th of June, 1846. 
Tue great interest attached to ancient Irish shrines, and a desire to record the 
history and description of an exceedingly valuable piece of antiquity, have induced 
me to bring this curious relic before the Academy. It is an ancient shrine, from 
the barony of Tirawley, in the county of Mayo; and at present belongs to Annesley 
Knox, Esq., of Rappa, who has kindly lent it to me for this purpose. This unique 
species of shrine consists of a circular disk, or plate of copper, slightly dished 
or hollowed, about one-eighth of an inch thick, and thirty-four inches in circum- 
ference, and ornamented with a silver cross on the front, or concave side, as repre- 
sented in the annexed engraving (fig.1). Upon a close examination it is found 
to consist of four thin plates of copper, riveted together; and from the worn 
appearance which the two central plates exhibit at a part where, the shrine hav- 
ing sustained some injury, they have been uncovered, it would seem as if they 
had been the original portion, and that the present outer plates, which are much 
thicker and newer, were subsequently added to preserve the former; to which 
there are many analogies in the Irish shrines still remaining in the kingdom, and, 
like several of them, this appears to have been repaired by a variety of artists. Each 
outer plate is divided into four parts, and these parts are covered at their joinings 
by the arms of the cross on each side. These crosses bespeak a very early period 
in Irish art, and resemble many of the earliest stone sculptured and sepulchral 
crosses which are found connected with some of the primitive monastic remains 
in Ireland, having a central circular piece, and the arms expanded at their’ 
extremities. The central piece of the silver cross was originally gilt, and formed 
a ring, in which it is likely a crystal, such as that in the Cross of Cong, was set ; 
>? 
