The relationship between the Roman Empire and Ireland during the Iron Age is a niche topic often overshadowed by the Roman occupation of Britain. However, this does not mean that there is no archaeological evidence or historical documentation that explores this relationship. In fact, numerous sites containing Roman artifacts have been found across Ireland. Furthermore, contemporary Greco-Roman writers have written about Ireland and the Irish people for centuries. As a result, Roman artifacts in Ireland are viewed through the context of trade that existed from the first to fifth centuries CE. But trade is just one aspect of Roman-Irish relations. Raids by the Irish into Roman territories (particularly Roman Britain) are also supported by archaeological and historical evidence. Generally, trade is seen as characterizing Roman relations with Ireland during the first and second centuries while raiding is more characteristic of the fourth and fifth centuries.

Sites such as Drumanagh and Newgrange have contributed significantly to understanding the roles trading and raiding played, but there is also room for speculation. With the case of Newgrange, the Roman artifacts found there could be understood as votive offerings provided by Romans travelling to Ireland rather than offerings acquired through raids. Regardless, while our understanding of Roman artifacts in Ireland points to a dynamic relationship, there is still room for further research and new interpretations.