Saint Patrick’s Breastplate (Video)
This hymn is traditionally said to have been composed by St. Patrick. This variation of Saint Patrick's Breastplate was first sung on St. Patricks Day, March 17th, in 1899. https://youtu.be/eOxO4b9SUk8
The White Cat and the Monk – Pangur Bán, a 9th C. Old Irish Poem
Background Pangur Bán or “White Pangur” is an anonymous poem written in Old Irish around the 9th century originating, it is presumed, from the Abbey of Reichenau; a Benedictine Monastery…
Not all colors in Ireland are Green: An Exploration of the Descriptions for Color in the Old Irish texts
It's said by some that Homer described his sea as 'wine dark' because the Greeks had no word for blue. While the scholars are still debating that issue, studies on…
A Man is Better Than His Birth – Is Ferr Fer a Chiniud
The Brehon ideal holds that no individual should be hindered or restricted, in any way whatsoever, in his or her personal and individual development merely because of the circumstances birth.
Irish Script on Screen – Irish Manuscript Archive
Irish Script on Screen (ISOS) is a fantastic resource that allows you to explore high quality scanned images of Irish manuscripts. This collection of beautifully ornate manuscripts can be viewed…
Irish Manuscripts: Crith Gablach-Branched Purchase
Written around 700 AD the Crith Gablach, which means ‘branched purchase’, set out the principle guidelines that should be aspired to in an ideal society. Ancient Ireland could be described as…
Irish Manuscripts: Uraicecht Becc – The Short Primer
This poetic manuscript declares the King of Munster to be supreme and makes reference to monasteries in Emly and Cork; both counties of that province. For this reason, it is…
Irish Manuscripts: Bretha Nemed –The Judgements of the Privileged Classes
The significance of status in early Irish society cannot be over-emphasised. Several important texts outline the intricate classifications which were based primarily on hereditary rights, kin-ship, property ownership, and, in…
Irish Manuscripts: Corus Bescna – Contracts
While the Corus Bescna text covers several areas, its principal focus is on the law of contract. Its opening line reminds us: "The world would be evilly situated if…
Irish Manuscripts: The Book of Aicill
The Book of Aicill relates to the criminal law and is often discussed as being on par in significance with the Senchus Mór; although, the latter deals with civil law.…