The Irish origin of a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow may be rooted to reality more than you think as the Geological Survey of Ireland confirms that high levels of gold are found in streams near the Goldmines River and Avoca regions of Wicklow, totalling a whopping $667 million of gold. Indeed, the country literally struck gold with its history dating back to as old as 2400 to 2000 BC, but boomed in size during the Bronze Age wherein hoards of the prehistoric, precious metal have been sourced, which is evident in the Bronze Age’s array of gold ornaments such as collars, torcs, and bracelets. Upon closer inspection, these artifacts typically originated from one area, possibly from river gravel and were discovered as mostly crescent-shaped collars, sun-disks, and decorative objects for clothing or other embellishments.
At Designworks Goldsmiths Studio in Cork, Ireland, we celebrate the rich history of gold that runs deep in Irish heritage. As specialists in diamond and gold jewellery, including exquisite engagement rings and timeless wedding rings, we draw inspiration from Ireland’s ancient goldsmithing traditions. Explore the fascinating story of hidden gold in Ireland and see how it influences our handcrafted jewellery in Cork today.
A Rich and Golden Living History
Ireland’s love affair with gold dates back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age (circa 2500–500 BC). During this time, skilled artisans crafted intricate gold ornaments—lunulae, torcs, and discs—using gold sourced from Irish rivers and mountains. These treasures, often hidden in hoards, showcase the craftsmanship that inspires our Cork jewellery shop. Today, we honour this legacy by creating stunning gold engagement rings and wedding bands that reflect Ireland’s golden past.
Many of these ancient artefacts, now housed in the National Museum of Ireland, highlight the ingenuity of early Irish goldsmiths. At Designworks Studio in Cork, we channel that same creativity into every bespoke piece of gold jewellery we craft.
Gold in Irish Mythology & Culture
Gold isn’t just a material in Ireland—it’s woven into our myths and legends. Tales of leprechauns guarding pots of gold at rainbow’s ends reflect the allure of this precious metal. While these stories captivate the imagination, the real gold lies in Ireland’s archaeological record and the skilled hands of its artisans.
At Designworks Studio in Cork, we bring this heritage to life. Whether you’re seeking a classic gold wedding band or a unique engagement ring inspired by Irish design, our Cork jewellery workshop blends history with contemporary artistry.
1. Wicklow
Wicklow dates back thousands of years with several feet of river gravels in the Woodenbridge area of the city. Beyond stone and gravel, it is truly a place where you can extract gold as it is one of the richest lands. On that note, gold has been discovered in The River Dargle, Avoca, The Avonbeg, and at the foot of Bray Head.
2. Limerick
A land that truly hit the goldmine, ancient mining equipment and smelting tools were discovered in a bog near the well-known, Irish city. Seeing as it is quite a long stretch of land, many people believe that there is more than meets the eye, and hidden gold may just be waiting beneath your feet.
3. Glenmore
Popularly known as Glen of the Gold, this city is known as a gold hotspot for those eager to get their hands dirty and dig up some riches for those who love to make a hobby out of gold-digging in the great outdoors.
4. Luganore
Locals and tourists alike who are looking to find a fortune often visit Luganore, which is popularly called as the “Hollow of the Gold”, wherein plenty of hobbyists and archaeologists have taken a trip down and came back with more than what they bargained for.
5. Slieveanore
Roughly translated as “Mountain of Gold”, Slieveanore is situated near Feakle in Co. Clare and is named as such for its abundance of gold around the region back in its golden years during the Bronze Age. There are, of course, speculations that a plentiful amount remains to be discovered around the area.
Cork’s Modern Goldsmiths: Designworks Studio
Located in the heart of Cork City, Designworks Goldsmiths Studio carries forward Ireland’s golden legacy. With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in diamond and gold jewellery, crafting bespoke engagement rings and wedding rings that honour tradition while embracing modern elegance. Our open-view workshop on Cornmarket Street invites you to witness the artistry behind every piece.
- Handcrafted Excellence: Our Cork jewellers use time-honoured techniques to create gold jewellery that lasts a lifetime.
- Custom Designs: From Celtic-inspired gold rings to diamond-studded masterpieces, we tailor every piece to your vision.
- Local Pride: As a Cork-based jewellery shop, we’re inspired by Ireland’s history of hidden gold and its enduring beauty.
Visit Us in Cork for Your Gold Jewellery
Ready to own a piece of Ireland’s golden story? Visit Designworks Studio in Cork, Ireland, to explore our collection of gold and diamond jewellery. Whether you’re searching for the perfect engagement ring, a bespoke wedding band, or a meaningful gift, our expert team is here to help. Contact us today or stop by our Cork showroom to discover why we’re a trusted name in goldsmithing.
Visit Design Works Studio to see our entire collection of stunning engagement rings in Cork. Get in touch today to see how we can help.