SEVERE winter storms over the last two years are believed to have led to the discovery of relics from the Spanish Armada off the Co Sligo coast.
Cannon from the merchant vessel La Juliana have been found in sands off Streedagh since timbers from the exposed wreck began washing ashore in April.
The guns date back to 1588 but are said to be in excellent condition.
Two have been taken off the seabed with archaeologists discovering that one bears a dedication to and depiction of St Matrona, a saint particularly venerated by the people of Catalonia.
It is also dated 1570, the year La Juliana was built, putting the identity of the ship beyond doubt, the Republic's Government said.
Arts minister Heather Humphreys visited the wreck site.
"We have uncovered a wealth of fascinating and highly significant material, which is more than 425 years old," she said.
Recovery of the rest of the guns, relics and materials is expected to last several weeks.
Two other vessels from the Armada, La Lavia and Santa Maria de Vision, sank storms in the area in September 1588.
They are believed to remain concealed by layers of sand which have not shifted in storms over the last two years.
King Philip II ordered the Armada fleet of 130 ships to invade England and take Queen Elizabeth I's throne in 1588.
The invasion failed and several of the ships sank around Ireland, including the Girona which sank off Lacada Point in north Antrim.
A haul of gold jewellery was recovered from the wreck site in the late 1960s.
