A 17th century chalice that was stolen 21 years ago has been recovered by gardaí.

It was taken during a burglary in Ardee, Co Louth in 1998.

While the safe that the chalice was stolen from was found in Tallaght in the same year, the chalice itself remained missing.

Gardaí say the artefact resurfaced recently when they were alerted that it was due to be auctioned in Dublin.

The item was seized by gardaí, and then taken back to Ardee where it was positively identified.

An investigation into the circumstances of the 1998 burglary remains ongoing.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of the artefact over the past two decades can contact Ardee Garda station on 041-685-3222, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda station.