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Welcome to Early-Irish

The study of Early Irish—the vernacular of Ireland from the dawn of history to the 12th century—is the basis for an understanding of early Irish civilisation, its origins in the Celtic culture of Europe, its establishment and evolution in Ireland, and its flowering in Ireland’s ‘Golden Age’. Selections from the great variety of Early Irish writings are analysed in the wider context of mythology, early European literature, and the society and history of Early Christian Ireland. Modules in Old Irish (the language of the 7th to 10th centuries), including textual readings, are scheduled from time to time, and as required. Most modules are taught through English and no prior knowledge of Modern Irish is required. Early Irish modules can be taken as core and optional components of the BA programmes in Irish, Celtic Civilisation and Irish Studies, and as electives by all students.