Early Christian Ireland

• Why is the arrival of Christianity to Ireland historically significant?

  It helped to spread reading and writing in Ireland.
• How did Christianity contribute to the culture of Early Christian Ireland?

  It established Irish monasteries as centres of learning and created great works of art.
• What period is referred to as Early Christian Ireland?

  • c. AD 400-800
  • Period when Christianity first came to Ireland
• Who was sent to Ireland in AD 431 to spread Christianity?


  A bishop named Palladius.
• When is St Patrick believed to have been in Ireland?

  Between 432 and 461.
• What monasteries were founded in Ireland during the sixth century?

  • Inis Mór by St Enda
  • Kildare by St Brigid
  • Other examples: Clonard, Kells, Clonmacnoise, Glendalough, Clonfert, Skellig Michael
• What types of buildings could be found in a monastery?

  • Beehive huts
  • Oratory
  • Refectory
  • Scriptorium
  • Round tower
• What types of art were created by Irish monks?

  Manuscripts, metalwork, and stone high crosses.
• What was the purpose of many Irish monks going abroad?

  To save or spread Christianity.
• When did the Vikings begin to raid and settle in Ireland?

  In the eighth century.
• What is the historical significance of the period of Viking raids in Ireland?

  • Impacted Irish identity
  • Led to cultural exchanges
  • Introduced new social dynamics
• What does the term 'Pagan' refer to?


  Someone who worships various gods, often with a focus on nature or the earth.
• What is a Druid?


  A spiritual figure similar to a priest in pre-Christian Celtic Ireland.
• What is a monastery?


  A closed religious community living by the rules of an order.
• Who is a monk?


  A man dedicated to a religious order and to life in a monastery.
• What is a scriptorium?


  A room where manuscripts were copied by hand and illustrated by scribes.
• What is a round tower?


  A bell tower and safe place for people and treasures if the monastery came under attack.
• What is a manuscript?


  A book written by hand, often in Latin, on sheepskin parchment or vellum.
• What is a high cross?


  A free-standing stone cross, usually with elaborate carvings showing biblical scenes.
• What is a Longphort?


  A Viking camp by the water, used as a base for raids.
• monestry diagram

  A) refectory

  B) round tower

  C) oratory

  D) guest houses (beehive huts)

  E) scriptorium

  F) cemetery