Early Ireland: Celtic or Gaelic?

'Celtic' in Context

• 'Keltoi' and 'Celtae' are ethnic terms from Antiquity, often interchangeable with 'Galli', exclusively for mainland Europe inhabitants.
• The linguistic term 'Celtic' encompasses languages like Gaulish, Irish, Manx, Cornish, Welsh, and Breton.
• Archaeologically, 'Celtic' identifies people linked to specific material cultures like Hallstatt and La Téne.
• Edward Llhuyd coined the linguistic term 'Celtic' and published Archaeologia Britannica in 1707.

Was Early Ireland 'Celtic'?

• The term 'Celtic' is broad and implies certain characteristics.
• Ireland had various settlers throughout prehistory and is not genetically 'Celtic'.
• Ancients never referred to inhabitants as 'Celts'.
• The early Irish did not identify as 'Celtic'.
• 'Gaelic' offers a more accurate and culturally relevant description of late Iron Age Ireland.

Ireland and the Classical World

• Ireland had steady contact with the classical world but was beyond Rome's political authority.
• In the 6th century BCE, Greeks knew Ireland as Ierne, the home of the 'gens hiernorum' (the Érainn people) and the 'sacred isle'.
• Ptolemy's Map in the 1st century CE mentions Ireland.
• The 4th century CE Nomina provinciarum omnium refers to its inhabitants as Scotti.
• Ptolemy called the Llŷn Peninsula "promontory of the Gangani".
• Hiberni, or Iverni, means 'People of Īweriū,' which later became Ériu.
• Key connections existed between Ireland and Roman Britain through trading and raiding, such as Patrick being taken into captivity in Ireland.
• Settlement occurred in Man, Wales, and North Britain.
• Writing, specifically Ogham, and early cults/Christianity also played a role.

Religious Connections: Conversion to Christianity

• By the 430s, there were enough Christians in Ireland for the papacy to take an interest.
• It is unknown whether they were politically significant, requested a bishop, what languages they spoke or if there was a Pelagian dimension.
• Palladius was sent to the Irish, believing in Christ, and ordained as their first bishop by Pope Celestine.

Memories of Palladius?

• There is a possible association with churches in Leinster.
• There is a possible link with Secundinus associated with Dunshaughlin (Domnach Sechnaill).
• There is a possible link with Auxilius linked with Killashee (Cell Ausaili).
• There is a possible link with Iserninus associated with several minor churches in south Leinster.

Saint Patrick's Ireland

• Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-Briton, from a prosperous background, born in Bannaven Taberniae.
• He was the son of Calpurnius, a decurion, and the grandson of Potitus, a priest.
• At 16, he was enslaved in Ireland.
• He escaped slavery, entered religious orders in Britain, and became a bishop in Ireland.
• Patrick is a figure of controversy.
• "Confessio" was written while Patrick was a bishop in Ireland, partly responding to criticism from British ecclesiastics.
• "Epistola ad Milites Corotici" is a letter protesting and excommunicating Coroticus, a British tyrant who enslaved Irish converts.
• Patrick does not give dates and only mentions the Wood of Foclut (Foghill, Mayo) in Ireland.
• He provides insights into Romano-British culture in Britain.
• He provides insights into the impact of Irish raiding activities.
• He provides insights into the organization of Irish society and methods of conversion.

Rural and Pastoral

• Irish society was primarily rural, with an economy based on cattle, sheep, and livestock.
• Cattle were the primary symbol of status and currency.
• There was a complete list of laws dedicated to beekeeping called Bechbreatha (Bee-judgments).
• Woodlands offered grazing and material for heating, lighting, and building, and bark used for ropes.
• When Patrick arrived in Ireland, he looked after flocks and remained in the wood and on the mountain.

Conversion, Women, & Slaves in Society

• A blessed woman of noble birth, whom Patrick baptized, sought to become a virgin of Christ and move closer to God.
• This was not to the liking of their fathers, those held in slavery have to work the hardest, continually harassed and even terrorised.

Hierarchy of Kingdoms & People

• Irish society was structured hierarchically based on status.
• Each rank had an honour price to be paid if crimes violated them.
• Each grade was further subdivided into rank.
• The hierarchy was based on honour, land, property, and livestock.
• The hierarchy was arranged of Kings, Heir to the throne, Lords, Commoners (Freemen), Semi-Freemen and Slaves.
• Patrick paid judges in all areas he visited frequently.
• At times, Patrick gave gifts to kings and paid for their sons' travels.

Pre-Christian Religion

• There was no pagan teaching committed to writing.
• Christian writers obscured practices when recounting them.
• Archaeology reflects practice not belief.
• There was an existence of pagan religion without details.
• Patrick believed that those who worship the sun shall end up in foul punishment.
• Before Christianity, no one had knowledge of God and celebrated only idols and unclean things.