Shrine of St. Senan's Bell
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- Height: 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
- Width: 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
- Depth: 8.6 cm (3.4 in)
Outer Shrine: 14th century[2]
| Shrine of St. Senan's Bell | |
|---|---|
| Clogán Óir | |
 Shrine of St. Senan's Bell | |
| Material | Bronze, brass, silver, niello |
| Size |
|
| Created | Inner Shrine: c. 1100 Outer Shrine: 14th century[2] |
| Discovered | before 1826[3] |
| Present location | National Museum of Ireland, Dublin |
The Shrine of St. Senan's Bell (or the Clogán Óir, English Little Golden Bell)[2] is a small early medieval Irish bell shrine. It is associated with the 6th-century Christian minister Senán mac Geirrcinn [4][5] and was rediscovered on Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island), County Clare before 1826.
The shrine was built in two phases. The two hollow bronze shells and the semi-circular cap date to the late 11th or early 12th century.[1] The 14th century additions include the engraved outer gilt-sliver sheet.
The primary inner shrine, the Clogán Óir, is made from bronze c. 1100 to encase a small but now lost handbell.[2] The cap (or crest) was made to cover the handle of the bell, while the lower portion covered the main body of the bell. A cross design is present on each panel face.[2] The cross and four panels on either face of the original shell closely resemble the designs found on earlier cumdachs (book shrines).[6]
The outer casing dates to the 14th century and include the engraved outer gilt-sliver sheet.[7] The two dragon designs on this casing. While the shrine itself is conventionally referred to as a bell shrine, it is likely just decorative and was created for display rather than use.[8]
There are no visible inscriptions.
