- The scene at left is on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Legend has it that the warrior Cuchulainn traveled to Skye to train and resided in the castle. To get a closer look at the castle, press here.
Even in the twentieth century, there have been men and women who have learned some of the oral traditions associated with the ancient Irish heroes, and 694 will consider both the old and modern folklore.
The origins of Celtic civilization remain incompletely understood, and our survey will necessarily include a look at the monuments of people who inhabited Ireland and other regions long before the arrival of the Celts.
- A little north of Dublin stands Newgrange, one of the most splendid monuments of prehistory. To see an enlargement, press here.
Who built Newgrange remains unknown, but the architecture leaves no doubt that the builders could track with great precision the movements of the sun and other heavenly bodies.
Ongoing work on archeology in other areas also suggests how the early Celts lived.
- On the island of Tiree in Scotland is an Iron Age Fort that has been the subject of considerable investigation (and will be discussed in the course). To see an enlargement, press here. For more information about Tiree, press here.
The conversion of the Celts to Christianity led to major cultural changes, and the impact of Irish Christianity will be one of the topics discussed in 694.
- Saint Patrick, depicted at left, was not Irish, but his efforts in converting the Irish led to a vigorous monastic movement that reached far beyond Ireland's shores. Along with the achievements of Patrick, those of Saint Columba and Saint Brendan will be considered.
Another influential cleric was Kevin, who is the patron saint of Glendalough. Located in the Wicklow mountains a little south of Dublin, this monastery evokes both peaceful and not-so-peaceful moments in Irish history.
- In times of danger, towers such as one in Glendalough offered protection from marauders. Some of our time will be spent examining the changes that came with the Vikings, who raided and settleed in many parts of the Celtic lands as well as beyond.
