Where
Mythology and History Entwine. The exists a point in Irish history where what we know of as historical fact meets with and joins the well preserved chronicles of Ireland's mythological lore. Just exactly where that point may be located is no longer possible to accurately determine. |
Early
Bronze Age 2001-1500 BCE A strong proliferation of wedge tombs mark the dawn of the Bronze age. Several hundred of these have been identified in the west. These sites are located near ore deposits of copper and silver, which were well mined in this period. A healthy metals industry arises with regular exporting established to Britain and beyond. The survival of Ireland's ancient lore is due primarily to the efforts of the monks of the middle age monasteries. Unlike the obliteration suffered elsewhere under the church, much of Irish culture was preserved by her scholar scribes. |
A significant turning point in Irish history occurred with the arrival of Celtic tribes from Europe. Here again we encounter an era much debated by historians. The exact time of when Celts first set foot on Ireland is still uncertain. It is safe to align their ascendancy with the transition between the Bronze and Iron Ages. The tribes of Europe certainly possessed iron before reaching Ireland. If an invasion it was, then the bronze of the native warriors would have been no match for the stronger swords of the Celts. Yet, there is evidence of Celtic influence on late Bronze age designs. The question remains whether the rise of the Celtic population was achieved peacefully, and over a few centuries or more abruptly through conquest. However their entrance to Ireland occurred, the tall strangers from Europe and Great Britain soon achieved a cooperative truce, and eventually established a new ruling order. The people were divided into many clans or tuatha, in Irish. As certain regions grew these became minor kingdoms with a fair degree of sovereignty. In time, groups of clans would join under a single representative leader, although it would be more than a thousand years before a king of all Ireland would exist. Despite almost nonstop conflicts, a sophisticated society and high culture prospered over the centuries. In the first centuries of the Common Era, the country was divided into five kingdoms - a close approximate to the provinces of today - these were and remain: Connaught, Leinster, Midhe, Munster and Ulster. |
Iron age sword, Nineteenth century rendering. Further Ireland Resources Theme Introduction Content Directory
resources Stay
informed! |
Patrick established monasteries across the country where language and theology could be studied. During the Dark Ages in Europe these monasteries served as sanctuary to many of the continents great scholars and theologians. It was here that the lamp of Latin learning was preserved for the ages. During this age, the great illuminated manuscripts of Ireland were produced. Arguably the finest such work, is The Book of Kells which may still be viewed at Trinity College, Dublin. Cathedral of St. Patrick on the Rock of Cashel, just outside Cashel, county Tipperary This
age of illumination was brought to an abrupt end by yet another group of invaders.
The Vikings, unlike the Romans before them, did not spare Ireland. During the ninth
& tenth centuries, waves of Norse warriors ransacked the countryside. The Vikings
plundered everything
in sight. The monasteries were favorite targets for their treasures of golden religious
ornaments. The Vikings were eventually driven out, but not before making some contributions
of their own. Many coastal towns, and most significantly, Dublin, owe their establishment
to the invading Norsemen. |
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