We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Alexander O'Hara PhD

Ireland has a rich Christian history and culture dating back to the fifth century when St Patrick and other missionaries evangelised the island of Ireland. Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire and the culture of Christianity that developed in this rural and agrarian society without towns was distinct from other parts of Europe.

Read more

Ireland has a rich Christian history and culture dating back to the fifth century when St Patrick and other missionaries evangelised the island of Ireland. Ireland was never part of the Roman Empire and the culture of Christianity that developed in this rural and agrarian society without towns was distinct from other parts of Europe.

This course introduces students to this fascinating and unique early Christian culture and heritage through learning about the key figures in Early Christian Ireland from the fifth to the seventh centuries, the Golden Age of the Irish Church.

Led by an Irish medieval historian and author, students will have the opportunity to read original source material written in Early Christian Ireland as well as availing of additional resources and videos to deepen their knowledge and learning. The course is based on courses taught by the instructor at Trinity College Dublin and Boston College on Early Christian Ireland and Early Medieval Ireland.

In this course you will explore:

  • The real St Patrick and his remarkable original writings

  • Whether St Brigid was a Celtic Goddess or a historical person

  • Traditions associated with St Brigid and the earliest accounts of her life

  • The influence of St Columba/ Colum Cille in Ireland and Scotland

  • The voyaging Irish monks who travelled as far as the Faroe Islands and Iceland

  • The travels of St Columbanus in Europe and his original writings

The course is suitable for all those interested in Ireland and Irish Christian culture and heritage.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • An overview of celtic christianity from 400 to 650 ad
  • An introduction to early irish saints and hagiographical writing
  • An appreciation of the contribution of early irish christianity
  • The historical development of the early irish church

Syllabus

Introduction
Introduction & Welcome to the Course
What do we mean by Celtic Christianity?
For Teachers
Read more
Become familiar with the life, writings, and legacy of St Patrick
St Patrick
The Ireland of St Patrick
The Life of St Patrick: Part 1
The Life of St Patrick: Part 2
The Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus
The Confessio
The Hagiography of St Patrick
The Legacy of St Patrick
Did St Patrick kick out the Snakes?
The Virtues of St Patrick and Further Reading
Module 1 Quiz
Outline the life of St Brigid, the sources for her life, know the traditions associated with St Brigid, be able to make a St Brigid's Cross
St Brigid of Kildare
Celtic Goddess or Christian Saint?
The Sources for the Life of St Brigid
The Legacy of St Brigid
Make Your Own St Brigid's Cross!
Prayer to St Brigid and Further Reading
Module 2 Quiz
To study St Columba and the outlines of his life, his influence as a missionary, sources for his life and legacy
St Columba of Iona
Map of St Columba's World
Life of St Columba
St Columba the author
Columba the Scribe: The Cathach Manuscript
The Amra Coluimb Chille
The Hagiography of St Columba
The Desert in the Ocean
The Navigatio Brendani/ The Brendan Voyage
The Bantry Stone
The Legacy of St Columba
Further Resources and Reading
Module 3 Quiz
Overview of the life and writings of St Columbanus of Bobbio, the hagiography of Columbanus, and the influence of his monastic foundations in Europe
St Columbanus of Bobbio
Map of Columbanus' Travels
Columbanus in Ireland
Columbanus in Europe
Columbanus in Merovingian Gaul
Columbanus in Alemannia
Columbanus in Lombard Italy
The Writings of St Columbanus
The Hagiography of St Columbanus
The Legacy of Columbanus
Further Resources and Recommended Reading
Module 4 Quiz
Know about St Ciaran and the monastery of Clonmacnoise
Clonmacnoise
The Wooden Church of St Ciaran
The Scriptorium
Burial Place of Kings
The Cross of the Scriptures
The Grave Slabs
Pope John Paul II in Clonmacnoise in 1979
Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a thorough overview of Celtic Christianity from 400 to 650 AD
Taught by an Irish medieval historian and author
Suitable for those interested in Ireland and Irish Christian culture
Provides an introduction to early Irish saints and hagiographical writing
Delves into the voyaging Irish monks and Columbanus in Europe and his writings
Explores the real St Patrick and his writings, as well as the Celtic Goddess Brigid

Save this course

Save St Patrick's Ireland: An Introduction to Celtic Christianity to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in St Patrick's Ireland: An Introduction to Celtic Christianity with these activities:
Review basic Irish history and geography
Strengthens foundational knowledge and enhances comprehension of the geographical and historical context of the course material.
Show steps
  • Review maps and timelines of Irish history
  • Read articles or watch documentaries on key historical events
Read 'The Story of Celtic Christianity' by Thomas Cahill
Provides historical context for the course material and enhances understanding of the origins and development of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book from a library or bookstore
  • Read the book at a pace that allows for comprehension and reflection
  • Take notes or highlight important passages as you read
Read 'Saint Patrick: His Origins and Career' by Thomas O'Loughlin
Provides insights into the life and work of a key figure in Early Christian Ireland, enhancing understanding of his role and influence.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book from a library or bookstore
  • Read the book at a pace that allows for comprehension and reflection
  • Take notes or highlight important passages as you read
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice translating Latin phrases related to Early Christian Ireland
Strengthens understanding of Latin terminology used in historical documents and enhances comprehension of primary sources.
Browse courses on Latin
Show steps
  • Identify a resource or online tool for practicing Latin translation
  • Focus on phrases and texts related to the history of the Irish Church
  • Practice translating regularly, aiming for accuracy and comprehension
Create a timeline of key events in Early Christian Ireland
Reinforces knowledge of historical events and helps visualize the chronological development of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
  • Gather information from the course material and additional sources
  • Identify key events and their approximate dates
  • Create a timeline using a digital or physical tool
Participate in a discussion forum on the influence of Celtic Christianity on modern spirituality
Provides an opportunity to engage with peers, share perspectives, and broaden understanding of the ongoing impact of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
  • Find or create a discussion forum related to Celtic Christianity
  • Post thoughtful questions or comments based on course material
  • Engage in respectful and informed discussions with other participants
Volunteer at a local Irish cultural center or museum
Offers practical experience, fosters cultural appreciation, and deepens understanding of the historical and cultural context of Celtic Christianity.
Show steps
  • Identify local cultural centers or museums related to Irish history or culture
  • Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Participate in activities and engage with staff and visitors

Career center

Learners who complete St Patrick's Ireland: An Introduction to Celtic Christianity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to St Patrick's Ireland: An Introduction to Celtic Christianity.
Celtic Christianity
Most relevant
The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece
Most relevant
A Journey through Western Christianity: from Persecuted...
Most relevant
Burgos: Deciphering Secrets of Medieval Spain
Most relevant
Irish 103: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture
Most relevant
Early African Christian History and Thought
Most relevant
The Irish Revolution 1912-1925
Most relevant
Irish 102: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture
Most relevant
Early Christian Outlook and its Jewish Matrix: Narratives...
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser