Bell from Lough Lene
The bell of Lough Lene is one of the rare, out of bronze cast Irish hand bells from the early Middle Ages . It was found in 1881 on Castle Island ( Irish Oileán an Chaisleáin ) in Lough Lene in County Westmeath , Ireland , and is part of the National Museum of Ireland .
The bronze bell was probably cast in one piece in the 9th century. It has a height of 33.9 cm, a square cross-section and a semi-circular handle; There are crosses on the polished surface and braided bands on the edge .
In 1931 private individuals had a half-size copy of the bell made and presented it to the Irish House of Commons Dáil Éireann , who was appointed in 1919 and whose chairman or political spokesman, Ceann Comhairle , kept it as official insignia.