- Chapter Thirty-Three -
same metal at Knock, Co. Roscommon (Raftery 1984: 175-81; Ireland 1992; formerly
the Clonmacnois hoard). This marks the reawakening of links with the burgeoning
iron age cultures of the European mainland but it is an isolated find and its cultural
significance should not be exaggerated. It was not until later in the third century,
or even in the second, that evidence of an established La Tene presence in Ireland
is recognizable. This is best illustrated by a series of decorated bronze scabbard
plates and associated items, from a bog deposit at Lisnacrogher, Co. Antrim (Figure
33.3), and from the river Bann in the north-east of the country (Raftery 1984:
74-1°7). These objects are unquestionably the products of local workshops. They
demonstrate the existence in Ireland of craftsmen of the highest accomplishment,
thoroughly in command of all the intricacies of La Tene technology and art. It is
Figure 33.3 Detail of decorated bronze scabbard plate, Lisnacrogher, Co. Antrim. (Photo:
Ulster Museum, Belfast.)