Carmel McCaffrey

For someone who is only removed genealogically from Ireland by three generations I often find myself feeling ignorant of much of Ireland's history. I know the typical events - the potatoe famine that decimated the population, St. Patrick's Christianizing the country, and th Book of Kells' illumination - but I was unaware of many of the more subtle historical themes. Unlike much of Europe, Ireland never developed a tradition of inherited high-kingship (instead opting for smaller regional show more tribes led by elected rulers), yet the Irish were often early adopters and promoters of European culture. They seem to have taken everything from Christianity to Viking art styles to using the Latin alphabet to record the Gaelic vernacular (the first in Europe to do so!) and made it distinctly "Irish" in nature. I must find the accompanying PBS documentary to this book, as well as delve into some more historical narratives about my ancestral homelands! show less

Liked that myths, fables & legends are challenged and/or put into prespective, certainly tried to use logic when possible for rationalizing theories, very thorough

An engaging history of Ireland from 8000 BC to the coming of King Henry II in 1171, including myths, saints, scholars, scriptoriums, battles, kings, Vikings, art, and holy places. Includes map and bibliography. Perfect for knowledgeable travel in Ireland.

This was the textbook for my study trip to Ireland.