The Shrine of St Caillín is a metal cumdach (a book-shaped shrine) built before 1536 to hold and protect the 15th century Book of Fenagh manuscript.[1] [2]
It has been described s "something of a specialist in the production of battle talismans"[3] and according to legend, in his lifetime commissioned a number of battle standards, including this shrine. The shrine was badly damaged in a 2009 fire at St Mel's Cathedral, Longford, where it had been kept since 1980.
It was acquired by the National Museum of Ireland the following year, while the manuscript is in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy.[4] There is some doubt as to if the shrine was actually intended as a cumdach, given that it is smaller than the manuscript.