AN ANCIENT PRAYERBOOK found in a Co Tipperary bog five years ago is finally going on display to the public.

The Faddan More Psalter, a 1,200-year-old decorated manuscript, was used by Irish monks for praying and teaching in the 8th Century. The psalter was unearthed by a turf cutter from the Faddan Mor bog in Co Tipperary in July 2006.

The artefact will go in display from tomorrow in the exhibition: The Treasury – Celtic and Early Christian Ireland at the National Museum of Ireland on Dublin’s Kildare Street.

Museum director Dr Pat Wallace said:  “I am honoured that an object as unique as the Faddan More Psalter is going on display during my time as Director.”

Conservation work on the artefact took place in the National Museum’s own laboratories without having to ship the precious manuscript abroad. Dr Wallace said: “This was the first ever discovery of its kind in Ireland and indeed anywhere in the world. It is of international importance and is now on display to the public for the first time.”

Experts say the papyrus-lined cover of the prayer book is direct evidence of contact between Ireland and the Mediterranean region over one thousand years ago.