If you’re looking for a way to show off medals, especially Irish dancing or GAA medals, you’ll mostly come across two kinds of display: wooden medal displays like ours, and metal medal hangers. Both do the job. Here’s an honest look at how they differ, so you can pick the right one.
At a glance
| Wooden medal display (Emerald Time Pieces) | Metal medal hanger (typical) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A shaped board in 18mm wood (for example an Irish dancing dress, crossed hurls or a jersey) with gold-coloured hooks | A cut-out metal shape or bar with hooks or a rail underneath |
| Look | A solid, furniture-like piece with an oak-stained or white satin finish | Lighter and more minimal; often a silhouette or lettering |
| Personalisation | Gold-finish nameplate set into the wood, engraved free | Varies: often the name is cut into the metal itself, sometimes at extra cost |
| Capacity | 15 to 29 medals, one medal per hook | Varies widely; many hold a lot of medals on a long rail or S-hooks |
| Hanging | Keyhole slot on the back, hangs flush to the wall | Usually screws or nails through pre-cut holes |
| Where it’s made | Handmade in Mountmellick, Co. Laois, Ireland | Many popular brands are made in the USA or elsewhere |
| Delivery to Ireland and the UK | €10 per order; ships within 10 working days | Depends on the seller; imports from outside the EU may carry duties |
| Price | €69 to €139 | Varies by size and brand |
When a wooden display is the better choice
- It’s a keepsake or gift. A solid wooden display with an engraved nameplate feels like a finished piece for the wall, the kind of thing given at a birthday, Christmas or the end of a career.
- You want the medals laid out, not bunched up. Each medal has its own hook, so every one is on show.
- You want something made in Ireland. Every display is handmade in Co. Laois, with no import duties for customers in Ireland.
- The shape matters. An Irish dancing dress, shoe or waistcoat, crossed hurls and sliotar, a jersey or a music note makes the display about the sport, not just the medals.
When a metal hanger may suit you better
- You have a very large collection. A long metal rail can take a lot of medals in a small space. With us, you’d hang two displays side by side.
- You want something very light or minimal. A thin metal silhouette is lighter than an 18mm wooden board.
- You want the name cut into the design itself rather than on a nameplate.
For Irish dancing medals
Irish dancers collect medals quickly, from a first feis through grades, championships and the Oireachtas. Our Irish Dancing Dress Medal Display holds 20 medals (also in white), the Irish Dancing Shoe Medal Display holds 16, and the Irish Dancing Waistcoat Medal Display holds 16. For a dancer with more medals than that, hang two together, or choose the Traditional Medal Display Shield (29). We deliver to the USA for €20 per order.
For GAA medals
For hurling and camogie, the Sliotar display and the Football & Crossed Hurls display (for dual players) each hold 25 medals. For Gaelic football, there’s the Gaelic Football display (22) and the Jersey Medal Holder (25).
Still deciding?
Our guide to choosing a medal display covers every design by sport and number of medals, and the FAQ covers engraving, delivery and returns. Or call us on 086 848 1053.
