The Lough Derg Sword

Recovered from Lough Derg, near Curraghmore in Co. Tipperary in 1988, this sword comes from the heart of Brian Boru’s powerbase. Although it is slightly later than Brian’s time, it is a very fine example of an 11th century sword. It is made of iron and decorated with silver niello and copper alloy.

Overall length, 78.5 cm

Blade length 64.5 cm

Crossguard width 11.3 cm

Grip length 8.4 cm

Source: www.museum.ie/

Peirce, I. (2002). Swords of the Viking Age (p. 140). Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK: Boydell Press. has the following to say on the sword: