The Vatican, the Crown, and the Demise of the Brehon Law
An in-depth look at the main factors and influences that led to the ultimate demise of the Brehon Laws of early Ireland. In modern times, we often consider the conflict…
How Did The Brehon Laws Handle Mental Illness?
It might come as a surprise to find that the early Irish had the prevention of the exploitation of individuals who suffered from a disability or mental health issues in their minds, but we know this is the case from the research of great scholars on early Irish law who translated the law tracts. Foremost among these living scholars is Dr Fergus Kelly who deals with these topics in his book Early Irish Law, and his article 'Medicine and Early Irish Law'.
The Dream of Aengus (Aisling Óengus)
Aengus was asleep one night when he saw something like a young girl coming towards the head of his bed, and she was the most beautiful woman in Eriu. He…
Irish Mythology: Na Fianna – An Elite Warrior Guild
The Fianna was made up of many battalions called cathas, each with 3,000 warriors. In peaceful times, the main body of the Fianna was made up of three cathas, or…
Ancient Irish Anarchy and a Culture of Peace
Here's a fresh new interview I gave on Luke Tatum's Culture of Peace Podcast where we discuss early Irish society with an anarchic twist. There's a lot of info packed into…
The First Judgment in Ireland
“And that, without deceit, is the first judgement in Ireland: so that thence, with very noble judgement, it is the right of his wife against Partholón.” Lebor Gabhála Érenn §30. The First Judgment…
‘Anarchy in Ireland’ on the Peace and Liberty Podcast
Last week I joined Steven Clyde from the Peace and Liberty Podcast to discuss the topic of Anarchy in Ireland. While I know that anarchy (not in the chaotic sense but) as…
Brehon Law Past and Present (Video)
Kevin Flanagan discusses the state of Irish prisons, the state of the State, and how the old ways of the Brehon Laws could improve modern society at this previously unheard…
Irish Fairy Beliefs – The Changeling
The Reverend John O’Hanlon wrote on the topic of the native Irish belief in the fairy-folk in his article titled Fairy Beliefs – Irish Folklore saying they were regarded “by the…
14 Ancient Names for Ireland (Video)
The Names of Ireland An Ainmneacha na hÉireann With a land as ancient as this, it should come as no surprise to learn that the place we call ‘Ireland’ was…