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Round Tower and Church, Clonmacnois
This is a photo of the ruins of Teampull Finghin, part of the ancient centre of Celtic Christianity at Clonmacnois, Co. Offaly, in Ireland. The monastic settlement was founded by St. Ciaran around 548AD. A local prince, Diarmuid ua Cerbhaill assisted the saint to erect the monastery there, and when he was elected king shortly after, he endowed the monastery with valuable riches. It was here that the book of Dun Cow and other ancient manuscripts are believed to have been written. Like most monastic sites of the Early Christian period, it was plundered by the Viking raids of the 9th and 10th centuries and again by the English Crown in Tudor times. Today the remains of the church at Teampull Finghin can be seen with a round tower attached to it. It is uncertain as to whether the round tower was built before or after the church as both structures have been damaged and reconstructed after various raids. The tower measures at 48 feet high to the base of the cap and has a diameter of 12 feet 6 inches at ground level.
Round Tower and Church, Clonmacnois -
The Book of the Dean of Lismore 2
Here are two facsimiles from the Book of the Dean of Lismore: (1) Autograph of Dean McGregor, (2) part of Ossian’s Ode To Finn This manuscript is a collection of native literature from the Highlands of Scotland written in both Scottish and Irish. It contains poetry and annals from both countries showing the similarities between the two with the influence of the bardic schools. Much of the poetry is of a particular kind known as Ossianic Poetry. These ancient bardic verses were composed by Ossian and his clan. The manuscript itself is believed to have been written by James McGregor, the Dean of Lismore, after inspection of his signature found on one of the pages in the book. The language is written in a phonetic orthograghy as opposed to Gaelic/Irish orthography, meaning that the words are written as they are pronounced. This is similar to the principal of the Welsh and Manx languages. However the letter used is the English letter of the 15th and 16th centuries. Ref: The Dean of Lismore’s Book; a selection of ancient Gaelic poetry from a manuscript collection made by Sir James McGregor, Dean of Lismore, in the beginning of the sixteenth century, edited with a translation and notes by the Rev. Thomas McLoughlan and an introduction and additional notes by William F. Skene Esq, Edinburgh Edmonston and Douglas 1862, Page xcvi.
The Book of the Dean of Lismore 2 -
The Irish Liber Hymnorum 2
This is a sample of a piece of manuscript taken from the ancient writings known as the Irish Liber Hymnorum. This manuscript, made of vellum, was a compilation of prayers and hymns written in Latin and Irish, which were cited in the early Celtic Church. It was written in the eleventh century. It contains 34 vellum folios and an additional 3 scraps of vellum bound in at the end. The initial letters of the hymns are decoratively illuminated for the fist 31 folios, after which the style becomes less decorative and is thought to be of a much later date. Ref: The Irish Liber Hymnorum edited from the Manuscripts with translation notes and glossary, by J.H. Bernard, D.D., and R. Atkinson, LL.D., Volume 1, Test and Introduction, London, 1898.
The Irish Liber Hymnorum 2 -
The Irish Liber Hymnorum 1
This is a sample of a piece of manuscript taken from the ancient writings known as the Irish Liber Hymnorum. This manuscript, made of vellum, was a compilation of prayers and hymns written in Latin and Irish, which were cited in the early Celtic Church. It was written in the eleventh century. It contains 34 vellum folios and an additional 3 scraps of vellum bound in at the end. The initial letters of the hymns are decoratively illuminated for the fist 31 folios, after which the style becomes less decorative and is thought to be of a much later date. Ref: The Irish Liber Hymnorum edited from the Manuscripts with translation notes and glossary, by J.H. Bernard, D.D., and R. Atkinson, LL.D., Volume 1, Test and Introduction, London, 1898
The Irish Liber Hymnorum 1 -
Aesop
Leathanach teidil do Aesop a táinig go h-Éireann leis an teideal i gcló mór dhubh i ngaeilge agus ainm an údar agus an foilsitheoir i mbéarla.
Aesop -
Feature: Stair na Gaeilge
Irish, Language, Literature and Traditions by Dr. Briona NicDhiarmada, the Irish language's growth, decline & revival, it's champions, it's heroes & the myths and legends of today and yesterday.
Feature: Stair na Gaeilge -
The Book of the Dean of Lismore 1
Here are two facsimiles from the Book of the Dean of Lismore: (1) Genealogy of McGregor, by Dougal the servitor and (2) lines by Countess of Argyle. Almost all of the book, with the exception of a few latin notes is written in Gaelic and hosts a collection of Irish poetry. On page 144 the genealogy of the mcgregors was written by the brother Dougal. It outlines their line of decent from the Scottish kings. It is signed in the year 1512. Ref: The Dean of Lismore’s Book; a selection of ancient Gaelic poetry from a manuscript collection made by Sir James McGregor, Dean of Lismore, in the beginning of the sixteenth century, edited with a translation and notes by the Rev. Thomas McLoughlan and an introduction and additional notes by William F. Skene Esq, Edinburgh Edmonston and Douglas 1862, Frontpiece.
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The Book of the Dean of Lismore 1 -
Oliver Cromwell
Cromwell only spent 9 months in Ireland from August 1649 to May 1650, but his impact was to be everlasting on the island. With fierce brutality Cromwell succeed in completing the English conquest of Ireland where others had failed. Cromwell first set a course to Drogheda. 3,500 men women and children were killed over the two day battle, with the city suffering heavy bombardment. Nearby towns surrendered or evacuated. Less than a month later, Cromwell arrived at Wexford town. Here over 1500 people were slaughtered in the massacre that ensued. Cromwell rested in Youghal until the spring of 1650 and then turned his attention towards Kilkenny and the Tipperary towns of Fethard, Clonmel and Cashel. By May 1650 Ireland had been placed under British rule and Cromwell returned home. Sieges on both Limerick and Galway, the last city under Irish control to fall, ended in October and November 1650 respectively. English rule in Ireland was complete.
Image is present on following page(s): Decline and Revival, Meath agus Athbheochan, Decline and Revival, Meath agus Athbheochan
Oliver Cromwell -
DF58, Céibh Chill Chiaráin lá Rása01
A large group of people on Kilkerrin Quay looking at the boats on Regatta Day
Public Domain
Image is present on following page(s): An Cheathrú Rua, An Cheathrú Rua
DF58, Céibh Chill Chiaráin lá Rása01 -
Title page of An Gradh agus an Ghruiam
Title page of An Gradh agus an Ghruiam
Courtesy of Galway County Library
Title page of An Gradh agus an Ghruiam -
Cuchulainn
Sketch depicts Cuchulainn in full flight.
Image is present on following page(s): Cabra Estate, Cúchulainn's Pledge, The Literary Revival: space & representation
Cuchulainn -
Cóilin Ó Cuanaigh
Clúdach don leabhar Cóilin Ó Cuanaigh a léironn rón agus buachaill i measc na gcarraig timpeallaithe as an farraige, éisc agus éin.
Cóilin Ó Cuanaigh -
Ogam Writing in Cork
Ogam writing is an ancient form of script which was used in the 3rd, 4th and 5th centuries. It was found on tall standing pillar stones dotted around the country, and is seen to be a series of lines and etches scratched into the side corner of the tall stones. The script came to be recognised after it had been referred to in various manuscripts, most notably in the Tain Bó Chuailgne, a piece of literature which was found in the ancient manuscript, the Book of Leinster. Ogam stones were usually found over graves or tombs of great men. They are also believed to have been used as territorial boundary markers, in case of disputes arising. This particular stone is inscribed with the name, Fiachra, son of Glunlegget and was found at Monataggart in Co. Cork. Ref: pg 154, Wakeman’s Handbook of Irish Antiquities 3rd Edition by John Cooke M.A., Dublin: Hodges, Figgis, & Co., Ltd. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1903.
Image is present on following page(s): Early Irish Literature and Mythology, Litríocht na Sean-Ghaeilge, Litríocht na Sean-Ghaeilge, Early Irish Literature and Mythology, Early Irish Literature and Mythology, Early Irish Literature and Mythology, Litríocht na Sean-Ghaeilge
Ogam Writing in Cork -
Carolan The Celebrated Irish Bard
In 1720 Carolan visited Charles Massey, Dean of Limerick. A Dutch artist, possibly Vander Hagen, was in Ireland at the time and Dean Massey commissioned him to paint Carolan's portrait. The Rev. L. Donnellan obtained a copy of the portrait later on and reproduced it in an article on Carolan in the County Louth Archaeological Journal in 1908.
Image is present on following page(s): Turlough O'Carolan, Turlough O'Carolan, Roscommon
Carolan The Celebrated Irish Bard -
Atlantic River God headstone machette: a replica of that on Dublin's Custom House
Atlantic River God headstone machette: a replica of that on Dublin's Custom House
By kind permission of The Old Dublin Society
Image is present on following page(s): Greek and Roman Gods, Greek and Roman Gods, Greek and Roman Gods, Litríocht na Sean-Ghaeilge, Greek and Roman Gods, Litríocht na Sean-Ghaeilge, Greek and Roman Gods
Atlantic River God headstone machette: a replica of that on Dublin's Custom House -
Raven
Sketch shows the moment confirming the death of Cuchulainn. The stone in the background is located in on the Dundalk side of the village of Knockbridge.
Image is present on following page(s): Morrigan and the Bull
Raven -
Cuchulainn's stone
View of Cuchulainn's stone from roadside. The stone is located at Knockbridge, Co. Louth.
Image is present on following page(s): An Táin Bó Cuailgne: The Cattle-Raid of Cooley
Cuchulainn's stone -
DF54, Máimin, Tri churrach móna01
Turf transported by three boats(currach) across 'Cuan an Fhir Mhóir'
Public Domain
Image is present on following page(s): An Cheathrú Rua, An Cheathrú Rua
DF54, Máimin, Tri churrach móna01 -
James Barry: Dublin City Libraries staff member and singer of the Molly Malone song on this website.
James Barry: Dublin City Libraries staff member and singer of the Molly Malone song on this website.
By kind permission of James Barry
Image is present on following page(s): Molly Malone: A Dublin Legend
James Barry: Dublin City Libraries staff member and singer of the Molly Malone song on this website. -
DF70, Garumna, Bád Seoil le ainmhi01
A sailing boat transporting an animal
Public Domain
Image is present on following page(s): An Cheathrú Rua, An Cheathrú Rua
DF70, Garumna, Bád Seoil le ainmhi01 -
Oisin leaves Niamh to return to Ireland
Drawing shows Oisin leaving Niamh and Tir na nOge to return to Ireland. He promises Niamh that he will not set his foot on the ground in Ireland. Oisin was the son of Fionn, chief of the Fianna. Set in pre-Christian Ireland.
Image is present on following page(s): Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig, Myths and Legends of South County Dublin, Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig (agus scealtaí eile as Gaeilge)
Oisin leaves Niamh to return to Ireland -
Lord Mayor and Rose of Tralee with the Molly Malone Ice Statue
Lord Mayor and Rose of Tralee with the Molly Malone Ice Statue
By kind permission of Martin McCree, Dublin City Council.
Image is present on following page(s): Molly Malone: A Dublin Legend
Lord Mayor and Rose of Tralee with the Molly Malone Ice Statue -
Dublin's Molly Malone Statue
Dublin's Molly Malone Statue
By kind permission of Martin McCree
Image is present on following page(s): Molly Malone: A Dublin Legend
Dublin's Molly Malone Statue -
Ice statue 1
Ice statue of Mollu Malone. Created 2003 for offical opening of Dublin on Ice. The photograph is taken at St. Stephen's Green.
By kind permission of Martin Mc Cree, Dublin City Council.
Image is present on following page(s): Molly Malone: A Dublin Legend
Ice statue 1 -
Dr. Briona Nic Dhiarmada, Author of the Irish Language & Legends Feature
Dr. Bríona NicDhiarmada lectures in Irish in the Dept. Of Languages and Cultural Studies, University of Limerick. She was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and UCD. Among her publications are Téacs agus Comhthéacs (with M.Ní Annracháin), Cork University Press 1998 as well as various articles on aspects of Irish language literature. She was a contributing editor to The Field Day Anthology of Irish Writing Vols. IV & V. She has previously worked as a scriptwriter and as a producer/director in television.
Image is present on following page(s): An Cultúr Gaelach, Feature: Stair na Gaeilge
Dr. Briona Nic Dhiarmada, Author of the Irish Language & Legends Feature -
Oisin returns to Ireland
Oisin returns to Ireland. He tries to find Fionn and the Fianna but finds out they are long dead. He returns to Glenasmole. He has been away for three hundred years. Pre-Christian Ireland legend.
Image is present on following page(s): Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig, Myths and Legends of South County Dublin, Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig (agus scealtaí eile as Gaeilge)
Oisin returns to Ireland -
CRlibexterior01
Public library building Carraroe Connemara Public building Galway County Council
Image is present on following page(s): Bailiúchán Samuel L. Mac Guidhir, Bailiúchán Samuel L. Mac Guidhir
CRlibexterior01 -
Oisin helps men in Tallaght to move a boulder.
Oisin helps a group of men in Tallaght to move a boulder. He sent the stone rolling down the hill and the men were amazed by this young man. Legend of Pre-Christian Ireland
Image is present on following page(s): Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig, Myths and Legends of South County Dublin, Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig (agus scealtaí eile as Gaeilge), Mrs. Bríd Costello
Oisin helps men in Tallaght to move a boulder. -
Grianghraf de ghrúpa comhrá na Gaeilge sa leabharlann Iárnach, Baile Átha Cliath
Photograph of Irish Language conversation group in The Central Library, Dublin
By kind permission of Dublin City Public Libraries
Image is present on following page(s): Social Irish in Dublin, An Ghaeilge Inniu, Social Irish in Dublin, An Ghaeilge Inniu, An Ghaeilge Inniu, Gaeilge Shóisialta i mBaile Átha Cliath
Grianghraf de ghrúpa comhrá na Gaeilge sa leabharlann Iárnach, Baile Átha Cliath -
Ardee Helmet
Taken by Brian Walsh this photo is of a piece of public sculpture located in the town of Ardee.
Image is present on following page(s): An Táin Bó Cuailgne: The Cattle-Raid of Cooley
Ardee Helmet -
Oisin meets with Saint Patrick
Oisin,now an old man, meets with Saint Patrick. They talk about the Fianna and the differences between pagan Ireland and Early Christian Ireland.
Image is present on following page(s): Early Christian Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig, Myths and Legends of South County Dublin, Early Christian Ireland, Oisín agus Naomh Pádraig (agus scealtaí eile as Gaeilge), Early Christian Ireland
Oisin meets with Saint Patrick -
The Brown Bull of Cooley
Photo shows part of County Museum, Dundalk's exhibition. The Tain coincides with the Iron Age, to illustrate this the Museum contextualises the Tain amidst the development of Irish society.
Image is present on following page(s): An Táin Bó Cuailgne: The Cattle-Raid of Cooley
The Brown Bull of Cooley