A number of significant historical artefacts have been recovered from the wrecks of a Spanish Armada off the coast of Co Sligo.
The latest recoveries include six bronze cannons, one gun carriage wheel and a ship’s cauldron, along with a number of smaller items
Recovery efforts are currently focused around the wreck of a ship called the La Juliana, which was built in 1570. The ship - along with the La Lavia and Santa Maria de Vison - were wrecked at Streedagh on the 21st September 1588. More than 1,100 people died when the ships went down.
The operation is focusing on the La Juliana amid fears of potential weather damage and illegal interference, after parts of the ship were exposed during recent storms.
Speaking about the latest artefacts recovered, Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys said, "the quality of material being recovered is remarkable and the gun carriage wheels, designed for siege warfare on land, paint a very clear picture of the scale and intent of the planned invasion of England by King Phillip II of Spain."
She also said that it would be up to two years before the items are ready for public display. They are set to be transported to the National Museum of Ireland, where they will undergo a conservation process.
Photos of the latest artefacts recovered have been shared by Fadó Archaeology. You can see them below:
More cannons & gun carriage wheel recovered from Armada vessel La Juliana, depictions of Italian saints #Armada pic.twitter.com/z1QbDC3M1h
— Fadó Archaeology (@FadoArchaeology) July 20, 2015
Bronze cauldron from La Juliana Armada wreck still contains pitch used on board for repairs @NationalMons @NMIreland pic.twitter.com/CJ692ap8EG
— Fadó Archaeology (@FadoArchaeology) July 20, 2015
