The Ardagh Chalice

An artifact from seventh/eighth-century Ireland, the "Ardagh Chalice" is a communion cup found in a Limerick field. Contemporary with the final redaction of the "Saint Patrick's Breastplate", its rich workmanship is meant to inspire the communicant as he or she approaches. The intricate of the chalice underside, however, seen only by God is meant to please God. This provides continuity to a second Celtic artifact, the Gundestrup Cauldron. This votary offering dating from the centuries before Christ is intended only for the god who receives it as a votary offering. Newly forged, it is intentionally broken and thrown into a Danish swamp. It shows gods, warriors, and sacrifices, both human and animal, but also Cernunnos, lord of the animals, a benevolent "prehistoric Saint Francis".

The Book of Kells

The most famous Irish codex, the Book of Kells, is now preserved in Trinity College, Dublin...