Early Christian Ireland

Where did monks live, pray, study, and work?

Monasteries

Give an example of an Irish monastery.

Clonmacnoise on the River Shannon

What services did monasteries provide?

Health care, hospitality, and education

What was the Golden Age of Irish learning and Christianity?

A period when Irish monasteries spread knowledge and religion

Who founded Glendalough?

St. Kevin

Why were monasteries self-sufficient?

They farmed and monks worked in trades like carpentry

What was the purpose of an oratory in a monastery?

Prayer

What was the purpose of a refectory in a monastery?

Dining

What was the purpose of a scriptorium in a monastery?

Writing manuscripts

What was the purpose of round towers in monasteries?

Protection and storage

What did scribes use to write manuscripts?

Quills + parchment

Give an example of an Irish manuscript.

The Book of Kells

What is Ireland’s oldest manuscript?

The Cathach

What were high crosses used for?

To teach religion through carved scenes from the Bible

Give an example of a high cross.

The Cross of Muiredeach - Monsterboice

What did the top of high crosses resemble?

A tiny church

What was a book shrine?

A case to hold important books

What is the Ardagh Chalice?

An eight Century chalice

Name three Irish monks who were missionaries.

St. Columcille, St. Aiden, St. Columbanus

What is a high cross?

A free standing cross with elaborate carvings displaying biblical scenes