Society and Culture in Gaelic Ireland (16th Century

Initial Perceptions vs. Revised Understanding of Gaelic Ireland

• Early Outsider Accounts (16th Century):

  • Written by figures like Francesco Chiericati (papal nuncio, 1517), who toured north-westwards of Dublin, observing Gaelic natives of south Ulster.

  • Chiericati described Irish people as religious but not considering stealing sinful or a crime, believing all things should be held in common, leading to many thieves.

• Claimed people farther north were