Kiltubbrid Shield

It was discovered in 1863, buried 3 metres (9.8 ft) deep in a turf bog, at Kiltubbrid townland and just north of Lough Scur.

[1][5] The ribs show an indentation on one side, presenting a remarkable interruption in the symmetry of the ornament.

[7] Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh stated in Ogygia (1685) that the Irish name for alder was Fearn, because "shields are made of it".

[4][8] The toughness and density of the alder would, in itself, be a firm defence against the thrusts of swords, if not spears,[1] but half-inch thick wooden shields would be useless against Roman javelins.

[6] An illustration sculptured on a stone cross at Kells, County Meath evidently depicts a conflict between different tribes or cultures; one armed with long-handled spears and circular bossed-shields, the opposing warrior shields have no boss, and are armed with short swords, of a kind often found on crannogs and first adopted with the introduction of iron as a primary material for weapons of warfare.