Early Christian Ireland
Ireland had been a pagan island before Christianity.
Celts had believed in An Dagda (father god) and Lug (father of Cúchulainn)
The pagan Celts often offered small animal sacrifices to gain the favour of the Gods.
The Druids, were not only the priests but also very learned men.
They memorised the traditions and customs of the Celts, for future generations.
They also advised the kings and helped settle disputes.
After Constantine became a Christian emperor, of Rome, Christianity was popularised. (313A.D)
Roman tradesmen and merchants brought this new religion throughout Europe.
It is believed that Christianity arrived in Ireland about 430 A.D.
Palladius, a bishop, had been sent by Pope Celestine.
Saint Patrick
It is believed that he came from Wales or England.
He studied as a priest and returned to Ireland about 432 A.D
Many of the Irish kings converted to Christianity, and so followed their people.
He died around the year 461 A.D and was buried in Downpatrick in Co. Down.
No remains of his wooden churches have survived.
By 500 A.D many monastic sites and communities had sprung up all over Ireland.
The Abbot was head of the monastery, often more powerful than the local king or prince.
Chronology of Early Christian Ireland
- 400 – Begins the entry of Christianity into Ireland.
- 431 – Pope Celestine sends Palladius, died soon after.
- 432 – St Patrick returns to “the call of the Irish”.
- 461 – St Patrick dies, believed to be buried in Co. Down.
- 490 – St Enda returns to Ireland, founds monastery in the Aran Islands.
- 500 – St Ciarian founds Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly.
- 510 – St Finian founds monastery at Clonard, Co. Meath.
- 560 – St Columcille founds Durrow (Co. Offaly) and Derry Monasteries.
- 563 – St Columcille founds Iona, of the coast of Scotland.
- 590 – St Columbanus founds Luxeuil, France.
- 597 – St Columcille dies. His work continues to spread throughout Europe.
- 612 – St Columbanus founds Bobbio, Italy.
- 635 – St Aidan founds Lindisfarne, Northumbria, England.
- 700 onwards – Irish missionaries continue to spread throughout Europe.
Treasures of the Past
700 – Book of Durrow, Co. Offaly.
750 – Moylough Belt, Co. Sligo.
750 – Ardagh Chalice, Co. Limerick.
800 – Book of Kells (Meath), probably from Iona.
Round Towers
These were built a bell tower to call the monks/ nuns in from the fields for either prayer or meals.
They were also used a lookout towers in times of danger from the Vikings or local raiders.
They were first introduced about 800 AD.
They could vary in height from about 25 – 35 meters.
The door was placed well above ground level to give extra protection.
One of the most famous examples is that of Glendalough, Co. Wicklow.
Manuscripts
The earliest come from St. Columcille, in the 6th Century
Theses were very colourful books written on leather (vellum)
They had rich colours and often some gold or silver.
Usually of the four gospels were produced, in a special building call the Scriptorium.
Monasteries
500 - St. Ciarán
500 St. Colmcille
525 - St. Brigid
Clonmacnois
Durrow,Derry
Kildare