Zoom Link for Members Booking for non-menbers Irish monasticism, a prominent force from the 5th century, saw communities of religious individuals living, working, and studying in centers that became known as the “Island of Saints and Scholars”. These monasteries fostered intense spiritual and intellectual activity, preserving texts, creating illuminated manuscripts, and establishing learning centers that influenced Europe. The earliest phase of monasticism (6th-12th centuries) featured distinct Celtic monasteries with unique architecture, while a later phase (12th century onwards) saw the introduction of continental European monastic orders, establishing different architectural styles and practices. The history of monasticism in early Ireland is dominated by its flourishing during the sixth and seventh centuries, a period dominated by Columba of Iona and Columbanus of Bobbio, and later by the ‘reform’ spearheaded by Malachy of Armagh during the twelfth century. But what of monasticism in Ireland during the intervening period? Regarded as different from ‘mainstream’ Anglo-Saxon and continental monasticism, monastic life in Ireland has not been fully understood in scholarly discussions about the existence of distinct ‘monasticisms’ throughout Christianity. The Irish sources, many written in the vernacular, are not readily accessible and are viewed as unconventional. The secularization of monasticism in Ireland has overshadowed evidence for a thriving lived monasticism. This major study concentrates on those men and women who followed a monastic life, especially between the tenth and thirteenth centuries, and who maintained a universal monastic ideology while incorporating monasticism into their own cultural environment. Our spearker, Edel Bhreathnach, was formerly Chief Executive Officer of the Discovery Programme, and has published extensively on a wide range of topics relating to medieval Irish history and culture. Her recent book on Monasticism in Ireland is published by the Four Courts Press (ISBN: 978-1-80151-117-9)
RHS
Sat 14 Jun 2025 Tullamore Outing by Adrienne Hume
A particularly warm ‘thank you’ to Michael Byrne of the Offaly Historical Society for his outstanding welcome to the RHS members who braved the very wet weather to reach Tullamore and to learn some of its history, with a focus on the 18th century. On our arriving at 11.00am, Michael had very kindly prepared a breakfast of the most delicious brown bread and butter, scones etc. with tea and coffee. The intrepid 21 RHS members were more than delighted with this delicious treat and, fully fortified, we ventured out on our walk, even as the rain beat a retreat. Many of us had also been intellectually fortified by the opportunity to browse and purchase books and other items of an historical nature in the excellent and most addictive (personal experience cited here!) book shop of the Offaly Historical Society. Michael then led us on a really interesting walk through the main streets of Tullamore, outlining its fascinating history and fine architectural heritage. At the end of the afternoon, he recounted the absolutely spellbinding history of the Bury Family (Earls of Charleville), delivered totally off the cuff, in St. Catherine’s Church, Hophill, where Charles Moore, the first Earl is commemorated by an imposingly superb monument by the sculptor Van Nost the younger. A light lunch was had in The Court Hotel, followed by an intriguing visit to Charleville Forest – possibly the very finest example of the less well known Gothic(k) work of Francis Johnston, architect of the GPO and many other important buildings. At Charleville Castle, we were kindly hosted by Bridget Vance who had been good enough to facilitate us, even though the House (Castle) had just finished it’s latest film appearance the day before! Our members were fascinated by the architecture, and the stories told by Bridget and her assistant – an adept in the ghostly associations of the house. Then on to St. Catherine’s where we were again most kindly facilitated by Canon Isaac Delamere, who had opened the Church especially for our visit. St. Catherine’s is also designed by Francis Johnston. After a kind welcome by Canon Delamere, we were treated to a most informative introduction to 18th century Irish architecture by Conor Lucey, who has written and lectured widely on the subject. Conor prepared the ground for Michael’s excellent follow up on the Bury family. We had the pleasure of being joined on this wonderful day in Tullamore by our friends Geraldine and Matthew Stout, who had recently guided us around Bective Abbey and Beaubec Grange. Happily sated with new knowledge and some of us intending further visits, we all headed back to Dublin digesting the activities of yet another most enjoyable day out for the RHS. A big thank you to all who helped make this such an enjoyable day – particularly Michael, Bridget, Canon Delamere and Conor. Adrienne
Winter Series 2025/2026
The winter series will cover a range of topics, from monasticism to rock art and more. Details of the 2026 lectures will be posted shortly.
Summer Series 11-15 August 2025
Five detailed lectures centred on the Boyne Valley will be the annual Summer Series for 2025. These lectures will amplify the wonderful May outings to sites at Monasterboice, Mellifont, Loughcrew, Fourknocks, Bective Abbey and Beaubec near Drogheda. The lectures are free to members and will be held in the Rathmichael National School as usual. They will also be available via Zoom. Non-members can book via the links below or simply attend and pay at the entrance.
The Boyne Valley Trips
by Adrienne Hume, May 2025 The sun appears to have left us for the moment, but it was fully with us on our 3 recent fantastic outings in the expert hands of Prof. Roger Stalley, Anthony Murphy and Geraldine and Matthew Stout. Sunday 4th May 2025 – Tara with Edel Breathnach Most unfortunately our trip to Tara has had to be postponed, due to the temporary incapacity of the equally wonderful Edel Bhreathnach. We wish Edel a speedy and full recovery, and look forward to this trip with her at a time that suits her in the future. Thursday 8th May 2025 – Monasterboice & Mellifont with Roger Stalley Roger very kindly took time out from his Gothic adventures to enthral us with his vivid descriptions and interpretations of the Art work on the 2 famous High Crosses at Monasterboice. Entertaining, erudite and charming always, R oger held his audience in the palm of his hands – even enticing a few extra strays into his orbit. We could have listened to him all day, but the poor man needed a break before he again entranced us at Mellifont that afternoon – where the excited site guides promptly locked up and joined our group for what turned out to be an even more fascinating afternoon on the history of the first great Cistercian House in Ireland and it’s vagaries over time. We were even ‘blessed’ with a visitation from a real modern day Cistercian – the Bursar, conducting business at the site. Most interesting conversations ensued concerning the future of our beloved modern Cistercian Abbeys, before Roger again vividly brought to life the ruined buildings of Mellifont and their functions, entrancing and educating both amateur and tour guide alike! To have been in the company of such a renowned expert on Cistercian Architecture and the early Irish High Crosses, and to have had the benefit of his learning and expertise most generously given, in glorious sunshine was truly a gift to all of us lucky enough to have been there. Saturday 17th May 2025 – Loughcrew Cairns & Fourknocks with Anthony Murphy Anthony was equally fortunate with the weather, leading us up to (arguably!) the most beautifully situated passage grave cemetery in the country, on top of Loughcrew, on a glorious day. Always a truly magical place, but particularly so on the day of our visit, where he also shared his vast knowledge of the archaeology and lore of the Neolithic with us. Always with Anthony, his love for his subject, and the myths that enhance and decorate this mysterious prehistoric period, are ever to the fore. He discussed many of the partially ruined passage tombs with us, and pointed out examples of their mysterious art work. He talked about the legends associated with the Cailleach, and her famed hop across the four hills, dropping stones from her apron as she went!!! It was a glorious morning spent sensing the presence of our ancestors in this beautiful, peaceful, mystical and sacred place. That afternoon we visited the little known and most unusual passage tomb at Fourknocks, where yet again Anthony managed to bring the experience to vivid life for all of us. We spent much time studying and discussing the artwork, and hypothesising about possible meanings. Yet again, we were enthralled and unwilling to leave. In both locations we again ‘picked up’ interested outsiders who were as enthralled by Anthony’s tales as we were, and who assured us that they would be joining our society! Many of us bought Anthony’s book on Fourknocks and I can assure you that it is a most interesting read. Sunday 18th May 2025 – Bective Abbey & Beaubec with Geraldine & Matthew Stout The sun gods were again with us when we arrived at Bective Abbey, and were immediately swept up by the whirlwind of enthusiasm and vast knowledge lightly held, that is always Geraldine Stout, and her husband Matthew. Bective is their site and they know it intimately. Geraldine expertly guided us through and around the complex and confusing mass of surviving impressive buildings, making sense for us of the various different periods of development and occupation, and insisting that if we left knowing only the 3 most important periods of construction, we would not have failed her! All answers to us please – there might just be a little prize. Many questions were asked and many interesting answers further enhanced our understanding of this impressive site. Previously un-noted decorated stones were discovered by newly energised participants – how could it be otherwise in the presence of such a ball of energy as Geraldine! Strands of thought and discussion topics were further elaborated on by Matthew, who further subdivided the stages of construction…That afternoon we were treated to an examination of another of their sites, Beaubec Grange, a site with a fascinating and previously little known history, as it was associated with a French House, and required much research and archaeology to piece together it’s interesting story. Matthew described the discovery of a huge barn, the remains unearthed underground during their excavations, and now completely invisible on the surface again. Apparently the finds in the latrine area provided a huge number of interesting pieces which both Geraldine and Matthew described for us. Much credit here is also due to the excellent custodial interest and drive of the owner John McCullen, who also gave us a most interesting talk about the C18th house built on the site and now sadly reduced to its foundations – could it be an Edward Lovett Pearse creation…. Only time will tell! Retrospectively, our 3 days (so far!) have provided a brief overview of the pre- Reformation history of the Irish Church. We began with one of the most famous early Irish Monasteries – Monasterboice, focusing on the most characteristic element of these early Monasteries – the outstanding stone High Crosses. Then we moved on to the first Irish Cistercian House – Mellifont, brought to Ireland in an effort
Annual Outing to Birr 26th – 29th April 2024
The annual outing for 2024 will be will be based in Birr from Friday 26th April to Monday 29th inclusive, Accommodation has been reserved in The County Arms Hotel but all of these rooms are now booked following the announcement of the outing details at recent meetings of the society. It may be worthwhile to contact the hotel to see if rooms become free — our contact is Michelle Digan 057 912 0791 Here are other accommodation options: Please let us know (at outings@rathichaelhistoricalsociety.ie ) if you plan to stay elsewhere. We have arranged dinner in the hotel for Sat. evening 27th April (3 courses + tea / coffee for €38 / person) Please ensure that you have reserved with the hotel for dinner (if you will be joining us). Cost of dinner and drinks is not included in the outing cost and must be dealt with individually. The plans for the weekend are now finalised and are very exciting. They include a guided visit to the Monastic site of Sier Kieran for those who arrive in Birr in the early afternoon on Fri. An introductory talk on The Monastic Midlands in the hotel on the Fri. evening – with tea / coffee. A guided visit to Birr Castle, Museum and Gardens and a guided walking tour of Birr, after lunch in the castle café. Guided visits to Clonmacnoise and Clonfert, with lunch and a guided visit to the Napoleonic fort in Shannonbridge. Guided visits to the Monastic site of Lemanaghan, with lunch locally, and to visit Boher Church to see the famous shrine and Harry Clarke windows there, and a visit to a private metal working workshop. Cost for the trip is €110. This includes all visits, appreciation for our guides, 3 lunches + tea / coffee on the Fri. evening. Full itinerary will be provided when you book and the outing fee is paid. We look forward to spending a most enjoyable weekend with you in Birr.
Early Norman Ireland – Summer Series 2023
recordings available via this link (Daniel Maclise: The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife picture in the National Gallery of Ireland) The 2023 Summer Series of lectures had the theme Early Norman Ireland. We explored various consequences of the invasion of 1169, particularly in the century that followed. The five lectures covered the introduction of new legal and administrative frameworks, the new institutions and architecture and women’s roles and status. The lectures took place at 8pm on the five evenings Mon 21st – Fri 25th August in Rathmichael National School on Stonebridge Road (map). The recordings of the five lectures in the August Summer Series are now available to members only via this link DateAug Speaker Subject 21 John Marshall The Division of Anglo-Norman Leinster, 1247 22 Adrian Empey The Anglo-Norman Legacy 23 Michael Potterton Castles in the Air: The Leo Swan Memorial Lecture 2023Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland, c.1170 – c.1320 24 Rachel Moss Church building in Early Norman Ireland 25 Sparky Booker The Status and Rôles of Women in Late Medieval Ireland Castles in the Air: The Leo Swan Memorial Lecture 2023Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland, c.1170–c.1320 Dr Michael Potterton (Maynooth University) This paper will look at the role played by the Anglo-Normans in the development of castle-building in Ireland in the 150-year period from c.1170 to c.1320. Were there castles in Ireland before this time? What were the major types of castle built after 1170? Where were they? What were their roles? Who built them? Why? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this virtual tour of Ireland’s major fortifications of the ‘long’ thirteenth century. We will also look at castles in their wider landscape, how they evolved over time, what overseas influences were at play, and what precipitated a major fall-off in castle-building in Ireland in the early fourteenth century. The talk will be illustrated with photographs – some taken by Leo Swan – of surviving castles as well as reconstruction drawings and the results of archaeological and historical investigation. The Division of Anglo-Norman Leinster, 1247John Marshall, TCD This lecture explores the partition of the lordship of Leinster in 1247, after the five sons of William Marshal the elder (d.1219) died without producing an heir. The talk will discuss the ramifications of this pivotal moment for English Ireland, in addition to providing an insight into the rich primary source documentation of the partition itself. The Anglo-Norman LegacyAdrian Empey The popular image of the Normans generally features earnest-looking gentlemen in chain-mail suits, castle-builders and and introducers of Gothic architecture, all of which is true enough. Less acknowledged is their institutional legacy in law and governance. We still use common law and the county system that they created. They decisively changed the demographic shape of Ireland. They left a profound impact on the institutions of the church all the way down to the parochial system. They founded most of the towns and villages of eastern, southern and western Ireland. They left a profound influence on the English language. All these consequences flowed from small, isolated bands of Norman adventurers who had no plan whatsoever to conquer Ireland.
Pucks Castle Visit
The Society was guided on a very informative visit to Pucks Castle by Peter Pearson on June 17th, 2023. In spite of a bad forecast, the weather remained dry and we were able to view the castle with Peter pointing out the (often contradictory) architectural features. The castle has been successfully repaired by the current owner with government assistance from the Community Monuments Fund administered by the National Monuments Service. A detailed archaeological report about the castle has been prepared and it is hoped that it may be published. A notice will be put on this site if it is published.
Liberties Walk
On 27th May 2023, RHS members were superbly guided on a tour of the Dublin Liberties by Arran Henderson of Dublin Decoded. The map (Open Street Map/QGIS) shows our approximate route, starting in the park beside St Patrick’s Cathedral. Our group outside St Luke’s Church (now offices). Our guide, Arran Henderson, at the junction of Ardee St and Cork Street. The house was part of Watkins’ Brewery which occupied the area bounded by Cork St, Ardee St, Brabazon Lane and Newmarket. At the 1929 Statue of Christ in the Liberties on Gray Street. This shrine commemorates Catholic emancipation in 1829, It is situated in the middle of one of the extensive developments of the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company.
New Ross Outing
The members of the Society enjoyed a wonderful weekend of history for four days at the end of April in the welcoming town of New Ross, Co.Wexford. The scene was set for us by historian Linda Doran who described the over-riding importance of William Marshall in the development of New Ross and the surrounding area after the Norman invasion. This was followed by a very informative walking tour of New Ross led by local guide, Myles Courtney. Another local guide, Joe Moylan, showed us the attractive multi-period site of St. Mullins. On the following day, we visited the massive ruins of Dunbrody Abbey, Baginbun Head (site of the Normans’ second landing), the dramatic Hook Lighthouse (the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the world) and ending with Tintern Abbey and the adjoining Colclough Gardens. The final day was spent in Ferns enjoying the Medieval Ferns Experience and visiting the very impressive Ferns Castle. A presentation on the archaeology of Ferns and a guided tour of Ferns medieval sites wound up the trip. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to committee member and Shankill resident, Adrienne Hume, who organised the weekend for the Society. The trip links up very neatly with this year’s Summer Lecture Series on the theme of Early Norman Ireland which will be held from 21st to 25th August. Rathmichael members on the steps of St Mary’s church in New Ross with our guide Myles Courtney
