Athenry Seal

The original mace and seal of the town are both made from brass and set on wooden handles. They are considered by most authorities to date to the 14th century. The seal would have been used for important documents and letters. There are 2 heads on spikes above the town wall/gate depicted on the seal. Town walls/gates are commonly depicted on other seals from Ireland, England and the Continent, and are thought to symbolise civic pride and the rights and freedoms of the townspeople. The decapitated heads, however, are very unusual, perhaps even unique to Athenry. Tradition states that the heads are those of the two leaders of the Irish force that attacked the town in 1316, Felim O’Connor and Tadgh O’ Kelly. [More Info](https://www.athenryheritagecentre.com/index.php/athenry-history/the-athenry-mace-and-seal)