Irish police have recovered the head of an 800-year-old mummified body known as the 'Crusader' after it was stolen from a Dublin crypt last weekend.

‘Gardai (police) have recovered the head of 'The Crusader' and another skull taken from a crypt in St. Michan's church,’ a statement issued late on Tuesday said.

The Archbishop of Dublin, Michael Jackson, said he was ‘delighted’ at the return of the artefacts, which he said were left for the police to find.

‘The emphasis will now be able to turn to consideration of future security and display of the remains in the crypt of St Michan's,’ he said.

Police said the investigation into the theft continues.

‘The Crusader’ was given the title because he is believed to have perished during or shortly after participating in a campaign to capture the holy city of Jerusalem.

The church -- founded in 1095 -- is a popular tourist attraction in the Irish capital.

According to local lore, during a visit to the vault author Bram Stoker found inspiration for his gothic vampire ‘Dracula’