The Archdruid of Tara and Ireland, Mr Michael J. McGrath, is recovering in a Kilkenny hospital after being attacked at his home in the city.
He received a neck wound in the incident which occurred at 1.10 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Mr McGrath was rushed to St Luke's Hospital and underwent surgery. His condition is described as comfortable. Gardai arrested a 34-year-old man in connection with the attack.