Maguires ‘Son of the Stewards’ – Protectors of the Book of Armagh
From at least the 14th-century onwards, custody of the Book of Armagh was entrusted to the Mac an Mhaoir (MacMoyer) clan–an appropriate name considering that it translates to ‘son of…
Rivalry of the O’Rourkes and the O’Reillys for the Kindom of Breifne
The area now called County Cavan was officially created as such in 1579. For centuries prior to the colonial conquest of Ireland, these lands once made up part of the…
“Loved their bold Phelim Brady, the Bard of Armagh”
In the tapestry of Irish history, woven with the threads of struggle, rebellion, and resilience, the figure of Patrick Donnelly emerges as a vibrant emblem of cultural and religious resistance.…
Macha the Red – Ireland’s Female High-King
Macha was daughter of Aedh Ruadh (Ayrooa), or Red Hugh, who was at this time in an agreement to share the sovereignty of Ireland in rotation every seven-years with another…
The Irish Roots of Middle-Earth: Discover How J.R.R Tolkien Was Inspired By Ireland’s Ancient Myth, Language, and Landscapes
J.R.R. Tolkien, the literary genius behind "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," harboured a profound connection with Ireland that echoed in both his literary creations and personal experiences.…
Sick Maintenance: Injury, Restorative Justice, and Legal Liability in Early Ireland
The legal system of Ireland before the arrival of the Normans was known as the Brehon Law. It was a complex and evolved system of law that reflected the intricacies…
From the Egyptian Nile to the Emerald Isle: Exploring the Lost Connections Between Ancient Ireland and Egypt
The ancient lands of Ireland and Egypt, separated by vast distances and contrasting landscapes, might seem unlikely counterparts in the annals of history. Yet, whispers of connections between the two…
Video: Medieval Anarchy? Autonomous Traditions in Iceland & Ireland | With David D. Friedman & Kevin Flanagan
This event explored the details of both Brehon Law and early Icelandic Law, showing how justice, society, free markets, and lawmaking worked without centralized power. Participants deepened their understanding of…
The Great Irish Deer | The Majestic ‘Cervus Mageceros’
The Great Irish Deer, also known as "Cervus Mageceros", was a remarkable species native to Ireland during the last Ice Age. As one of the largest deer species that ever…
Identity, Nostalgia, and Money: The Rich Cultural Legacy of Ireland’s Pre-Euro Currency | Irish Punt Series B Banknotes
The Series B banknotes, a vivid snapshot of Ireland's cultural legacy, were circulated by the Central Bank of Ireland from 1976 to 1992, replacing the previous Series A. A pantheon…