A RICH HISTORY

The Christian Age

Christianity probably arrived in Ireland by the 4th century. Early in the 5th century it was given an added impetus by the arrival of missionaries sent by the Pope in Rome. The most famous of these was St. Patrick, who arrived in 432 AD, and preached mainly in the North of Ireland. Although Christianity triumphed all over the country, traces of Paganism remained for centuries. From around 550 AD a major change took place in the Irish Church, with the arrival of Monasticism. This form of Christianity originated in the Egyptian desert and spread quickly across Europe. Its ideals of seclusion and prayer seemed to appeal greatly to the Irish people, and Monastic Settlements were very quickly established throughout the country. During this period, some of Ireland's greatest works of art were produced, such as the Book of Kells and the Ardagh Chalice, and Ireland became known abroad as the "Island of Saints and Scholars".

The picture on the right is of Jerpoint Abbey,near Kilkenny in South - East Ireland.