Mystery still surrounds an intact set of chain mail armour discovered in a Longford Bog, despite an extensive analysis from the National Museum of Ireland.
That's according to Bartle Darcy, the manager of the Granard based Knights and Conquest Centre following the release of the museum's report disputing the origin of the artifact.
A 6 month analysis of the hauberk found it most likely dates to the mid 19th century and not medieval Ireland as originally hoped.
X-rays, comparisons to similar items of the time and expert consultation placed the chain mail shirt as being constructed in the mid 1800s.
Manganese levels in the artifact were characteristic of 19th century steel manufacture according to the report, while the tailoring and construction was not consistent with medieval armour making.
The armour was discovered in 2017 and loaned to the Knights and Conquest Centre last year where it was then sent for analysis.
Speaking to Let's Talk today, general manager Bartle Darcy has praised the scope of the examination.
However, he believes the chemical dating of the chain mail is not as clear cut as the museum makes out.
You can listen to the full interview below.
