The Archaeology Exhibition
This exhibition displays the material culture of County Cavan’s pre-historic past dating back to 5500 BC. On loan for display by the National Museum of Ireland, artefacts include spearheads, axe heads, intricately decorated food vessels, an amber necklace and a hoard of three bronze trumpets.
DeSIGNATED mUSEUM
The Museum is a "Designated Museum" under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 and the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. It is legally entitled to retain archaeological objects on behalf of the State. The National Museum of Ireland will only lend objects for display to Designated Museums. Curators of Designated Museums are empowered to act on behalf of the Director of the National Museum to ensure that objects are investigated, reported and preserved as State property.
What is an "Archaeological Object"?
An Archaeological Object is an object "whether in a manufactured or partly manufactured or an unmanufactured state which by reason of the archaeological interest attaching thereto or of its association with any Irish historical event or person has a value substantially greater than its intrinsic (including artistic) value, and the said expression includes ancient human, animal or plant remains" - National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994.
All archaeological objects found with no known owner are the property of the State. If you find an archaeological object you must report the find to the National Museum of Ireland, a Designated Museum (like Cavan County Museum) or to the Gardaí.
MEtal Detecting Law
The use of Metal Detectors at or near Archaeological Sites is regulated by the National Monuments Acts 1930 - 2004. Unless you have made an application and received consent under the above Acts it is against the law to be in possession of a detection device in or near a site protected under the above Acts. It is also against the law to possess a detection device for the purpose of searching for archaeological objects or "treasure". Under the National Monument Acts 1930 - 2004 there are provisions for a fine and imprisonment if found guilty of this offence. If you find an archaeological object with a detection device while in contraventions of these restrictions, additional offenses under the Acts may have been committed. Further advice on the use of Metal Detection Devices and their Impact on our Archaeological Heritage can be found here.
The National Museum of Ireland Advice on the law surrounding Metal Detecting can be found here.
National Monuments Service Information on Sites and Monuments Records (known archaeological sites) can be found here.