What can Muirchú’s Life of St Patrick (c. 688) tell us about the political history of late fifth-century Ulster, and in particular the hostile relationship between the Uí Néill and their allies the Airthir, a tribe of the Airgialla, and the Ulaid, mentioned at the close of Muirchú’s Life? Does it provide any clues to … Read more
The return of a stolen relic has added another tale to the saint’s legend. By Jesse Harrington This April (2018), in the choir-sung presence of the archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, and Garda Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy, the metal-encased heart of St Laurence O’Toole was returned to Christ Church Cathedral. … Read more
2 St Mary’s Lane, High Street, Kilkenny www.medievalmilemuseum.ie By Tony Canavan Kilkenny’s newest museum is located in one of the city’s oldest buildings, St Mary’s Church, dating back to the twelfth century. There is no attempt to hide the building’s origins and the visitor is aware of being in a former church. The main structure … Read more
HOW WOULD MEDIEVAL PILGRIMS RETURNING FROM SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA TO WATERFORD HARBOUR HAVE TRAVELLED HOME TO DUBLIN? By Damien McLellan Every year for the past fifteen years I have walked one of the many medieval pilgrim roads in France and Spain that lead to Santiago de Compostela in the far north-western corner of Spain. I … Read more
TRACING THE ROUTE TAKEN BY RICHARD II DURING HIS CAMPAIGN AGAINST ART MAC MURROUGH IN 1394 By Samuel Kinirons King Richard II (1377–99) was the first English monarch to set foot in Ireland since King John. Indeed, Richard visited Ireland twice, first in 1394–5 and again in 1399, shortly before the usurpation of his crown … Read more