  We explore the non-equilibrium dynamics of two coupled zig-zag chains of
trapped ions in a double well potential. Following a quench of the potential
barrier between both wells, the induced coupling between both chains due to the
long-range interaction of the ions leads to their complete melting. The
resulting dynamics is however not exclusively irregular but leads to phases of
motion during which various ordered structures appear with ions arranged in
arcs, lines and crosses. We quantify the emerging order by introducing a
suitable measure and complement our analysis of the ion dynamics using a normal
mode analysis showing a decisive population transfer between only a few
distinguished modes.
