The shrine is an oblong box, nine inches by seven, and five inches in height.

It is composed of three distinct covers, in the ages of which there is obviously a great difference.

The inner or first cover is of wood, apparently yew, and may be coeval with the manuscript it is intended to preserve.

The second, which is of copper plated with silver, is assigned to a period between the sixth and twelfth centuries, from the style of its scroll or interlaced ornaments.
The figures in relief, and letters on the third cover, which is of silver plated with gold, leave no doubt of its being the work of the fourteenth century.
The last or external cover is of great interest as a specimen of the skill and taste in art of its time in Ireland, and also for the highly finished representations of ancient costume which it preserves.

The ornaments on the top consist principally of a large figure of the Saviour in _alto-relievo_ in the centre, and eleven figures of saints in _basso-relievo_ on each side in four oblong compartments.