Artefacts, the like of which have never been discovered in Ireland before, have been unearthed in Dublin.

Pottery and glass dating from the 1600s was found during excavation of a site on the corner of Clanbrassil Street and Kevin Street in Dublin City Centre, where a new Hotel is under construction.

Archaeologists believe the find is of considerable importance.

The ornate pottery jars, glass bottles and wooden containers are believed to be from an apothecary.

Archaeologist Alan Hayden says a collection like it has never been found before.

“We have wooden vessels, we have glass, we’ve the fancy pottery, the rough pottery, the powders. We have everything but the alchemist himself,” he said.

The vessels are believed to be Dutch, German, Italian and English; with some coming from as far away as China.

One of the vessels is dated 1639 and so far it is believed the others date from the same time.

You can watch the RTE News report here.