[2] Dated to c. 800–700 BC, it is one of the earliest examples of substantial Irish goldwork,[3] although the gorget may represent a development of the much earlier and lighter gold lunula form.

[10] Like most examples, the most detailed and complex patterns are on the high-relief[11] work on the front sides of the two gold discs on the terminals, each of which contains large central conical bosses.

[12] Described as a "technical and artistic achievement at the apex of goldworking in the Europe of its time",[5] it is decorated with various designs including concentric circles, both conical and round bosses, and rope patterns.

[14] While no other objects were discovered at the find spot, it is an area otherwise rich in pre-Christian history, and contains a number of stone circles, dolmens and the two Gleninsheen wedge tombs.

Typical of the Burren, the immediate area is mostly of limestone, and was described in 1651 by the Cromwellian Army officer Edmund Ludlow as not having "wood enough to hang a man, water enough to drown him, or earth enough to bury him".