History of Ireland (400–800) facts for kids
The early medieval history of Ireland is often called Early Christian Ireland. This period lasted from the 5th to the 8th centuries. It began as Ireland moved out of its very early history, known from Ogham inscriptions and mentions by Greek and Roman writers. It ended when the Viking Age began. During this time, Christian Ireland sent missionaries to Great Britain and spread Irish culture across Continental Europe.
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A Look at Early Ireland
At the start of this period, Ireland was recovering from a mysterious decline. This decline, from about 100 to 300 CE, affected population and living standards. Some call it the "Irish Dark Age."
Most people lived in the countryside. Their homes were spread out, often in small ringforts. These ringforts were the largest settlements. About 40,000 of them are known today. Experts believe most were farm enclosures for wealthy families. Souterrains were also common. These were underground tunnels and rooms used for hiding or escaping.
Raiding Great Britain for slaves and goods was important. This helped the Irish economy, which was mostly based on farming. Lakeside homes called crannogs were still used. They seemed to be special places for crafts.
For a long time, people thought early Irish farming focused on animals. But new studies show that growing crops became very important from about 200 AD. Barley and oats were more common than rye or wheat.
Cattle were highly valued. Stealing cattle was a big part of warfare. So, cattle needed constant watch during the day. They were kept in an enclosure at night. By the end of this period, monasteries likely owned the largest herds. Irish winters were usually mild. This meant cattle were not kept in shelters during winter. Only young calves might stay inside a house for a while.
Many forests were cleared early in this period. By the 9th century, large forests were rare. The native Scots pine almost disappeared. The large areas of bogland were harder for people to change.
By 800 AD, small towns began to grow around large monasteries. Places like Trim and Lismore became small centers. Some kings even lived in these towns. However, the much larger towns were later founded by the Vikings.
Kings usually lived in bigger ringforts than regular people. But these forts were still similar to others. Kings and queens owned many luxury items. These included fancy Celtic brooches.
The later part of this period was a golden age for Insular art. This art style mixed Irish, Pictish, and Anglo-Saxon ideas. Famous examples include illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells. Beautiful brooches were worn by both priests and nobles. Carved stone high crosses and other metal items, like the Derrynaflan and Ardagh Hoards, also survive.
The Start of Christian History
Recorded Irish history truly begins with the arrival of Christianity. This also brought the ability to read and write in Latin. This started in the 5th century, or maybe a little earlier. Compared to other nearby islands, early Christian Ireland has good records. But these old writings can be hard to understand. Many questions are still unanswered. Studying early Christian Ireland continues to bring new ideas and discoveries.
Since the late 1800s, scholars have learned a lot from these old writings. New fields like paleobotany (studying ancient plants) have also helped. And many more archaeological discoveries have been made.
The Church's Story
The first clear historical event in Ireland is from 431 AD. Pope Celestine I sent Palladius to be the first bishop for Irish Christians. This shows that Christians were already living in Ireland. The Pope said he made the "barbarian island Christian." But it's clear that making Ireland Christian was a long, slow process.
The mission of Saint Patrick is traditionally dated around the same time. The earliest record says he arrived in Ireland in 432 AD. However, Patrick's own writings don't have exact dates. Palladius likely worked in the south of Ireland, perhaps near Cashel. Patrick's work was probably later, in the north, linked to Armagh.
By the early 6th century, the church had set up separate areas called dioceses. Bishops were the most important church leaders. But most of the country was still pagan (non-Christian). The High Kings of Ireland continued pagan practices. This changed with King Diarmait mac Cerbaill around 558 AD. He is traditionally known as the first Christian High King.
Monasteries, led by abbots, became very important in the mid-6th century. By 700 AD, Ireland was mostly Christian. The church was fully part of Irish society. Rules for church leaders were set by regular laws. Many important church figures came from noble Irish families. In the 8th century, some monasteries even fought wars against each other!
From the 7th century on, Irish churchmen traveled widely. Figures like Columbanus and Columba worked in France, Scotland, and Anglo-Saxon England. The mixing of Irish, Pictish, and Anglo-Saxon styles created the Insular art style. The Lindisfarne Gospels and the Book of Kells are great examples. Ireland became known for its learning. Many scholars came from Britain and Europe to study in Irish schools.
Ireland's Political Story
Historian Eoin MacNeill said the oldest clear fact about Ireland's politics was a "pentarchy." This was a group of five main kingdoms in early times. These were likely Ulaid (Ulster), Connachta (Connacht), Laigin (Leinster), Mumu (Munster), and Mide (Meath). Some stories leave out Mide or split Munster into two.
However, by the time written history began, this pentarchy no longer existed. New powerful families rose up. These included the Uí Néill in the north and middle of Ireland. The Eóganachta rose in the southwest. These new groups changed the political map.
The Uí Néill, or their parent group the Connachta, took over much of the old Ulaid kingdom. This happened in the 4th or 5th century. They left only parts of modern-day Down and Antrim to the Ulaid. They set up the Airgíalla kingdom in the center. They also created the Uí Néill kingdom of Ailech in the west.
Early Irish annals (historical records) show constant fighting. The Uí Néill fought the Laigin in the middle of Ireland. The Uí Néill conquered land as far south as the border of Kildare and Offaly. They also claimed the kingship of Tara. This began the idea of a High Kingship of Ireland.
This led to a new way of dividing the country into two halves. Leth Cuinn ("Conn's half") was in the north. It was named after Conn of the Hundred Battles, an ancestor of the Uí Néill. Leth Moga ("Mug's half") was in the south. It was named after Mug Nuadat, an ancestor of the Eoganachta. People claimed this division was very old, from the 2nd century. But it probably started in the 8th century, when the Uí Néill were most powerful.
