The period from approximately 400-1200AD sees the appearance of the first written works in Ireland, with the exception of the earliest ogam inscriptions, and thus marks the beginnings of Irish history. The picture that the texts reveal is of a complex, structured society with detailed laws, and a full and skillfully crafted literature. It also shows us a society in constant change. The period also sees the arrival and spread of Christianity, the consolidation of the multiplicity of petty kingdoms and the rise of Ireland's most successful and well-known ruling family - the Ui Neill, the impact of Viking raids and, later, settlement, the rise of urban centers, the introduction of coinage, and the arrival of the Anglo-Normans. This constant change is reflected also in the language of the people, moving with remarkable rapidity from Archaic to Old to Middle Irish, and also the demise of the ogam script in favour of the Roman.

Such processes aside, there is a certain appeal exuded by this period of Irish history, something of representing the glory days of the old Gaelic order. Regardless of the validity of such a sentiment - and there are definitely many grounds for casting aspersions on that validity - the attraction of the earliest recorded period of Ireland's past is undeniable. This is reflected in the volume and quality of messages, and the level of membership the 'Early Medieval Ireland' discussion group commands.

THE 'EARLY MEDIEVAL IRELAND' DISCUSSION GROUP

The 'Early Medieval Ireland' group was the first of the IRQUAS discussion groups to be founded, in June 2001. It grew rapidly in membership and was plunged almost from day one into a wide range of discussions and queries. The group's popularity has continued apace. The group continues to maintain the highest subscription figures of all the IRQUAS groups, currently totaling 260 persons.

To join the discussion group, simply click the link below to create an auto-addressed e-mail, and press 'Send'. You will shortly receive via e-mail a confirmation request to which you must reply. Within minutes your membership will be logged and you can begin interacting with other group members online. New members are encouraged to send an initial message to the group introducing themselves, and mentioning their areas of interest in Ireland's early medieval period.

• Click here to subscribe to 'Early Medieval Ireland'

Members and nonmembers alike can freely access the group's archives. These help give a feel for the type of topics discussed for those considering subscribing, and help new members catch up on past debates. To view or search the archives, just click on the link below.

• Click here to view the 'Early Medieval Ireland' archives

RELATED DISCUSSION GROUP HOMEPAGES

• Iron Age Ireland: the archaeology of the iron age period in Ireland (c.500BC - 400AD)
  
  
• Late Gaelic Ireland: the history and archaeology of late medieval and pre-modern Ireland (c.1000 - 1700AD)
  
  
• Irish Economic History: the history - and prehistory - of Ireland's economy
  
  
• Irish Social History: the history - and prehistory - of Ireland's society
  
  
• Settlement Studies: the archaeology, geography and history of settlement in Ireland of all periods

LINKS

DOCUMENTS & DATABASES

Page last updated 28 September 2001