Early Christian Ireland

The Iron Age brought a new people to Ireland: The Celts. They were a more organised society, and their culture and social structure dominated Ireland until the arrival of Christianity.

Early Christian ireland is the period when Christianity first came to ireland.

A bishop named Palladius was sent to Ireland in AD432 to spread Christianity.

The most famous bishop to travel to Ireland was St patrick. He is believed to have been in Ireland between 432 and 461.

From the sixth century on, many monasteries were built in Ireland. the first monetary named Inis Mór was founded by St Enda. The first convent was founded by St Brigid at Kildare.

Other examples of monasteries include Kells, Glendalough and Skellig Michael.

Monastery buildings could include: beehive huts, an oratory, a refectory, a scriptorium and a round tower.

Art created by the monks included manuscripts, metalwork and stone high crosses.

Many irish monks went abroad to save or spread Christianity.

The Vikings began to raid and settle in Ireland in the eighth century

this period is historically significant for the island of Ireland and has impacted the Irish identity.

St Brigid and Brigid’s Cross

The Brigid’s Cross is a symbol of Irish identity that can be linked to this period. St Brigid is one of Ireland’s three patron saints.

Stone Crosses

Stonemasonry was very important in early Christian Ireland. A high cross is a free standing stone cross, usually with elaborate carvings showing biblical scenes. Most people at the time could not read or write so these crosses helped to spread biblical messages.

The Ardagh Chalice

The Ardagh Chalice is an example of a chalice using the monks metalworking skills. The monks decorated silver gold amber enamel and coloured glasses. They also made intricate gold writing called filigree.