17th century artifacts found at Irish castle

Construction workers installing an elevator at Rathfarnham Castle uncovered a hoard of 17th century artifacts found between two stone floors.

Among the items discovered was a foldable toothbrush, clay pipes, jewellery, porcelain, coins, chamber pots, crystal goblets, as well as wine bottles and ointment jars with as of yet unknown liquids inside.

It has been said Oliver Cromwell and his men held council at Rathfarnham Castle as they besieged Ireland, and the discovery of a Cromwellian armour breastplate with a musket-hole through it “ties in with that”, said Ms MacGowan.

The castle was built in 1583 by Lord Adam Loftus who was Archbishop of Dublin. The materials discovered are dated the mid to late 17th century and belonged to his descendants.

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Story: Colin Gleeson, Irish Times | Photo: Frank Miller, Irish Times