Choose Ireland » Ancient History

The Book of Kells

Michael Heraghty — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:39:46 +0000

The Book of Kells remains, after many centuries, one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. Housed at Trinity College in Dublin, people willingly stand in long queues; waiting to see just a portion of one of the most richly decorated manuscripts on earth.
The Book of Kells is named for the town where it was discovered in County Meath, northeast of Dublin. It was here that Saint Columba established a monastery sometime during the sixth century. Three hundred or so years later, a group of monks arrived from Iona, in Scotland, seeking a safe place to reside after being routed by the Danes.
They remained at the monastery at Kells, where they are said to have completed the illustrated and “illuminated” manuscript of the four Gospels in Latin. It was discovered, strategically hidden for safe keeping, in an area bog and removed to Trinity College during the 17th century.
The manuscript of the Book of Kells is filled with symbolism and intricately detailed medieval art. The text is written in flowing Celtic script filled with skilled calligraphy and embellished with human and animal characters. The drawings are rich in symbolism, which scholars have spent years interpreting. Portraits of each of the evangelists precede their gospels. Analysis of the dyes used to add color to these impressive works of art has determined that they came from as far away as the Middle East.
The Book of Kells can be found at the Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin, where visitors can examine the original pages, on display in groups of just a few at a time. A copy of the entire manuscript can be seen at Kells, in St Columba’s Church, which is open to the public on a daily basis.

Inishbofin Early Christian Monastery

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:01:06 +0000

This ecclesiastical site near Athlone was founded in the mid fifth century by St. Rioch. Of all the original buildings, only the ruins of two churches still exist.
In the northern church, the nave, transept and sacristy survive. The sacristy was added onto the church, probably during the 15th century, along with the transept and a few sound examples of medieval windows. A primitive and irregular wall surrounds the ruins of this structure.
The church located to the south is of nave and chancel design and exhibits round and pointed doors and windows.
Inishbofin monastery was attacked repeatedly over the centuries by a variety of enemies, including the Vikings. Evidence of their raids in the 10th century was found here in the form of Viking bronze work from that time period.

Uisneagh Hill

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:58:53 +0000

In ancient times, this high hill not far from Mullingar was the meeting place for the provincial kings and the site of the pagan Bealtaine festival. On the site where the Capstone, called “Ail Na Mearainn” is located, a King called Tualthal Teahmarr once lived in his palace.
High Kings of Ireland held court here for more than two centuries, until around the time of the arrival of St. Patrick and Christianity.

Bealin Twyford High Cross

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:57:59 +0000

Currently located in the Demesne at Twyford, this ornate high cross is estimated to be more than 1200 years old. It was moved to this spot from Bealin, the site where it was found. The west side indicates that the cross was created for someone named Tuathgall, who may have actually been an Abbot at Clonmacnoise in the early 800s.
The rest of the faces of the cross contain beautiful geometric patterns, depictions of birdlike animals, a horseman and a lion, as well as intricate Celtic knot work.

Crookedwood

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:57:10 +0000

This ancient town is steeped in old Irish folklore, including the story of the Children of Lir. It is said that they lived as swans on nearby Lough Derravaraugh for nearly 300 years of the 900-year sentence imposed by their wicked stepmother, until a holy man changed them back at some point during the lifetime of St. Patrick.
The village also features the Church of Taughmon, a stone church from the 14th century with a nearby ringfort.
Crookedwood House was formerly a rectory, now a comfortable restaurant with guest rooms and a breathtaking view of the lake, noted for its delicious and unusual culinary creations.

An Dun Transport and Heritage Museum

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:55:56 +0000

The private collection of transport and heritage items housed here includes painstakingly refurbished farm implements such as corn harvesters, a Garvey Mill, and tractors and horse drawn equipment. Audiovisual aids elaborate on the exhibits.
Several unique motor vehicles can also be seen at An Dun museum, including a truck from the 1920s and several cars, bicycles, motorcycles with sidecars and other items, all immaculately restored and preserved.
An Dun is a name referring to Mound. Its original purpose was as a resting area for travelers heading to the monastery at nearby Clonmacnoise. The Mooney clan had roots in the area as far back as 150 A.D.

Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:53:05 +0000

Pewter craft has been in existence for more than 800 years in Ireland, and it is still practiced at Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre.
In the earliest times, pewter was popular for use in making candlesticks, cups, plates and other tableware. It was originally used mostly by the rich, popular at castles and in homes of the powerful. As the craft spread, fine pewter was used by more common folk and in taverns and pubs.
At Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre, visitors can tour the facility and visit the workshop where fine pewter creations are still molded and hand finished. Bronze items are also made, and gifts for every occasion are available in both pewter and bronze.

Athlone Castle and Visitors Centre

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:45:46 +0000

Built in 1210 by the Bishop of Norwich, John de Gray, the castle was commissioned by King John of England. For a period of time in the 16th century, Athlone Castle accommodated the Presidents of Connacht. The complex was attacked and severely damaged during the first Siege of Athlone (1690) and also the second siege in 1691.
The Castle at Athlone was extensively fortified during the Napoleonic years. It is now a national monument, after serving for centuries as a renowned military barracks.
The modern visitor centre is located in the guardhouse, offering tourist information and a wide variety of souvenirs in its charming shop. The walls of the castle that survive from medieval times are enclosed in glass to preserve their integrity.
A tour of the exhibitions might include an introduction to Athlone and the Castle itself, as well as a dramatic audiovisual presentation that recounts the story of the Siege of Athlone.
Exhibits focus on John McCormack, also known as Count McCormack, who lived from 1184 to 1945. He was a famous tenor from Athlone, and his life and performances are presented in short film. Various personal items, including his gramophone, sit on display at the museum.
Military history is explained from the viewpoint of the Irish Army as a peacekeeping force for a period of nearly 300 years. One display includes models of soldiers dressed in authentic uniforms that once walked the streets of Athlone, which was long regarded as a prominent military town.
A local history section, located in the polygon-shaped keep, houses extensive natural history exhibits of animal and plant life along the River Shannon. Other exhibits include information about archaeological finds in the Shannon Basin and a short history of transportation and hydroelectric power production along the river.
A tearoom containing an art gallery is a relaxing and esthetically pleasing place for visitors to relax and take a break from their travels. Views from points all around the castle are noteworthy, as well as guns from the 18th century that still outfit the fortress.

Donaghmore Heritage Centre

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:43:00 +0000

An ancient cross that is also an Irish treasure stands on the grounds of this centre of local history located at Dungannon. The building was erected in 1885 and formerly housed the National School. Now it contains photographs and documents that tell the story of area business and industry, including roll books from the old school, town maps and land registration rolls.
The old school building also accommodates a series of traveling exhibits as well as Heritage World, a centre for enological pursuits that offers searchers a database of more than five million family records.

Benburb Valley Heritage Centre

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:37:15 +0000

This centre for Irish history and culture at Benburb focuses on the age old craft of linen making and the painstaking processes involved. Located beside the Old Ulster Canal, this steam driven facility dates back to the 19th century.
Machines that were once used to make linen include those designed for weaving, warping, dyeing and beetling. A collection of steam engines is also on display.
In 1646, the historic Battle of Benburb took place here, and is memorialized by a model of the battlefield on display in the centre.