A death mask of Daniel O'Connell, regarded as one the great figures of modern Irish history, has been presented to the Office of Public Works (OPW).

It was presented on Saturday by Geraldine Wyndham-Quin, also known as the Countess of Dunraven, at Derrynane House - the O' Connell family home.

The death mask has been in the custodianship of the Dunraven family for over 160 years.

Its presentation was made at the Daniel O'Connell Summer School, which is taking place in Derrynane House in Co Kerry.

Mr O'Connell died in 1847 in Genoa, Italy while on a pilgrimage to Rome at the age of 71.

The Countess of Dunraven presenting the death mask of Daniel O'Connell to Maurice Buckley, chairman of the OPW, at a special ceremony during the annual Daniel O’Connell Summer school in Derrynane House, Co. Kerry | Image: John Allen

At the time of his death, it was not uncommon that a death mask would be made of a person's face.

The masks were often used as a reference by sculptors and artists when creating busts and paintings, and are also highly valued in their own right.

The Earl of Dunraven was a title in the peerage of Ireland created in 1822.

The Dunraven and O'Connell families have a strong connection, and it is believed the mask came into the care of the family.

The Countess of Dunraven presenting the death mask of Daniel O'Connell to Maurice Buckley, chairman of the OPW, at a special ceremony during the annual Daniel O’Connell Summer school in Derrynane House, Co. Kerry | Image: John Allen

Derrynane House is now dedicated to his life and achievements, under the care of the OPW.

Following any restoration or conservation works that are required, the OPW will place the mask on public display at Derrynane House.

Accepting the mask on behalf of the OPW, its chairman Maurice Buckley said: "Derrynane House was one of the great influences on Daniel O' Connell's life, it was his childhood home and later his country residence.

"Today Derrynane House is much more than a museum, it is a space that tells the story, from the cradle to the grave of The Liberator.

"This mask will be an incredibly valuable addition to the collection here and we look forward to making it central to the collection."