Medieval artifacts return to island

Two medieval carvings taken from Scattery Island in the Shannon Estuary more than 150 years ago are to be returned to their home ground this week.

According to the Scattery Island Heritage and Tourism Group, the stone artifacts were removed from the former monastic settlement on the island by a sea captain in the mid-19th century.

The carvings were discovered this year and have been dated to the 12th and early 15th centuries by a heritage officer for Galway City Council.

It is understood that the Captain of the Erin Go Bragh passenger ship, Francis Kennedy, removed the artifacts from the island in the early 19th century and used them as garden ornaments at his home in Cunningham Terrace, Kilkee.

Scattery Island has been uninhabited since 1979.