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THE BREHON LAWS OF EARLY IRELAND ONLINE COURSE

 

Explore the Laws, Customs, and Practices
of Early Ireland

 

 115 Lessons | 53+ Hours of Teaching and Bonus Material | Lifetime Access

 

TODAY: $75


 

What was life really like in early Ireland?

 

  • Who were the Brehons, and how did one become a professional judge or lawyer?
  • What do the surviving law texts (Senchas Már, Book of Aicill, etc.) reveal about contracts, inheritance, and land?
  • How did they settle disputes?
  • Was Ireland really stateless?
  • How did justice actually work in early Ireland?
  • How did the Irish resolve conflicts without police or prisons?
  • Why did Brehon Law survive for over a thousand years — and why did it eventually disappear?
  • What were the rights of women really like?

 

The answers are found in a rich body of history, mythology, law and tradition that has fascinated generations of scholars, storytellers and people of Irish heritage.  

BREHON LAWS → How their society governed itself


Through 115 lessons, you'll discover how one of Europe's most sophisticated legal traditions functioned in practice. Explore honour price, restitution, contracts, pledging, fosterage, family law, inheritance and kingship, and discover how justice was maintained without police, prisons or a centralised state.

After completing this course, you not only have a deeper, more intimate understanding of the Brehon Laws, you'll be able to explain how Brehon Law functioned through mechanisms such as honour price, restitution, pledging and social obligation rather than relying on institutions such as police forces or prisons.

Learn how honour price, restitution, pledging and hostages helped maintain social order, how contracts were enforced, and why reputation and kinship were central to the legal system.

Uncover the dusty yet central manuscripts; along with the studious and demanding training that brehons had to go through, the various schools and key families that kept the laws alive.

You'll also learn about the tragic and involuntary demise of the brehon laws. 

Discover how the fabric of Irish society was held together by the persuasive power of the laws, the customs, and the practices - and, more than that, you will understand how central justice was to the psyche of the old Irish. 

This isn't a course you finish once and shelve.

It's the accumulated result of years of research, storytelling, and guest interviews — organised into over 10 hours of core curriculum, backed by over 43 hours of bonus materials you can return to indefinitely.


 

 

 

WHAT YOU GET

 

YOUR COMPLETE BREHON LAWS OF EARLY IRELAND COURSE

When you enrol today, you receive:

BREHON LAWS OF EARLY IRELAND for $75

 

PLUS

  • 115 of on-demand video lessons across the complete course,
    — with over 53 hours of teaching and bonus material
  • Broken down into OVER 10 hours of CORE content + 43 hours of BONUS MATERIAL
  • Watch at your own pace, on any device
  • Conference presentations
  • Interviews and podcasts
  • Additional educational material
  • Lifetime access
  • Immediate access to the course
  • No prior knowledge required

 

 

WHAT YOU'LL EXPLORE

  • Explore the political, legal and historical factors that led to the decline of Brehon Law.

 

 

GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR

$75

 

 

 

OVER A DECADE OF RESEARCH, TEACHING AND ORIGINAL MATERIAL

 

This course is the result of more than a decade of research, teaching and original material.

Since 2008, Kevin Flanagan has been researching, teaching, recording and discussing the history, culture, mythology and legal traditions of Ireland. In 2013, he founded the Brehon Academy to serve as a bridge linking the old ways of Ireland with the modern world. 

The result is an extensive educational archive built over time, bringing together core course teaching with original interviews, conference presentations, talks, podcasts and additional material.

The course contains over 53 hours of teaching and BONUS material.

This is not a mere course you shelve once finished.

You are gaining access to an extensive and growing body of educational material developed over more than a decade.  

 

 

 

 

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

 

This course is designed for anyone who wants to develop a deeper understanding of early Irish laws, customs, and practices.

 

It is particularly suited to:

 

PEOPLE OF IRISH HERITAGE

Explore the history, culture and traditions of earlier generations of Irish people and develop a deeper understanding of Ireland's past.

 

STUDENTS OF IRISH HISTORY

Go beyond familiar historical narratives and examine the structures, traditions and ideas that shaped early Irish society.

 

PEOPLE INTERESTED IN ANCIENT LAW

Discover Brehon Law and explore an early legal tradition covering everything from contracts and land to family relationships and dispute resolution.

  

CURIOUS LEARNERS

If you've ever wondered how justice, law and social order operated in early Ireland, this course provides a structured introduction to one of Europe's most distinctive, sophisticated, and forward-thinking legal traditions.



 

TESTIMONIALS

What learners are saying about the Brehon Laws of Early Ireland course...

D. Henry McGrath

I appreciate its essential content, its easy style. This course is an imperative study for reapplication in various court/legal systems such as family court and civil court.
The essence of Brehon Law could very well be in the genetic structure of all Celts.
Great work.

Logan Callaway Duff

Amazing course that give a clear and concise overview of the ancient laws of early and medieval Ireland, definitely recommend this to anyone interested in Irish history or early law systems of the past. The resources too that are provided are incredible. Can't wait to continue Mr. Flanagan's courses on Ireland!

Amber Seree Allen

Excellent as always!
So much information, great lectures and visuals, plus extras and great resources!

Brian Kelly

Great course, recommend it to all. The Brehon Laws appear very similar to Natural Law, laws based on morality and truth, some lessons could be learned today...

John Saunders

It is very focused and easy to follow.

Maura

Yes, I'm a law student and very interested in the Brehon law so this is what I need to learn.

David O’Donovan

Surprisingly good.
This course expresses the ancient ‘Gaelic’ traditions faithfully and with academic rigour.

Gena Kelly

I really enjoyed the course content.
I was very interested to learn about the laws of Ancient Ireland, and would like to study it on a deeper level in the future, thank you

Gerry O'Donovan

Very concise and easy to follow.

Dasa Stanekova

Wonderful course delivered with passion.

Heather Martin

This course has been very interesting and really giving the background on Brehon Law. I look forward to taking more courses and would recommend this course to others that are interested in learning about Ireland and its customs. Hopefully Brehon Law will come back and the penal system will be revised.

Evan McCarthy

I thought I had a fairly good grasp of the Brehon legal structure before, but your depth of knowledge is impressive! I'm only a few videos in and I've learned a lot already.

BREHON LAWS OF EARLY IRELAND

CURRICULUM

115 LESSONS | ACROSS THE COMPLETE COURSE 

Brehon Laws of Early Ireland

  1. Early Irish Law

    5 lessons
    1. What is Early Irish Law? An Introduction to the “Brehon Laws”
    2. Studying Brehon Law Today: 8 Core Challenges (and How to Address Them)
    3. Presentation: Brehon Law in Medieval Ireland
    4. Podcast: "Some Problems with the Brehon Law" | Anarchast with host Patrick Smith
    5. Early Irish Law Quiz

  2. An Breithiúna | The Brehons

    6 lessons
    1. Who Were The Brehons?
    2. Grades of Brehon
    3. Elbe agus Aigne | Advocates and Barristers (Law Agents)
    4. False Judgments and the Collar of Truth
    5. King Cormac Mac Airt: A Portrait of Ireland's Greatest King
    6. The Brehons Quiz

  3. Legal Manuscripts and Law Schools

    6 lessons
    1. Early Irish Legal Manuscripts
    2. Major Law Schools and Key Legal Families
    3. Bérla Féini | Legalese (The Language of the Feini)
    4. Secht n-Gráidh Écna | Seven Grades of Wisdom
    5. Agallam na da Suach | Dialogue of the Two Sages
    6. Legal Manuscripts and Law Schools Quiz

  4. Aithgein agus Lóg n-Enech | Restitution and Honour Price

    6 lessons
    1. Aithgein | Restitution
    2. Lóg n-Enech | Honour Price (The Price of His Face)
    3. The Judgment of King Cormac: Restitution in Practice
    4. The First Judgment in Ireland
    5. How Cú Chulainn Got His Name
    6. Restitution and Honour Price Quiz

  5. Crime, Punishment, Procedure, and Enforcement

    10 lessons
    1. Crime and Punishment
    2. What about death? The Eric Fine
    3. Judgments of Bloodshed
    4. Jurisdiction and Enforcement
    5. Athgabail | Legal Distress or "Taking Back"
    6. Distraint Against the Áes Dana | Men of Art and Skill
    7. Troscud | Fasting for Justice
    8. Brehon Law and The First Copyright Case | "To every cow belongs her calf"
    9. The First Copyright Case and the Battle that Followed
    10. Crime, Punishment, Procedure, and Enforcement Quiz

  6. Contracts, Pledges, and Hostages

    5 lessons
    1. Contract Law and Pledges
    2. Bechbretha | The Bee Judgments
    3. Gíall | Hostages
    4. Níall Noígíallach | Niall of the Nine Hostages: Ireland’s Greatest Hostage Taker?
    5. Contracts, Pledges, Hostages Quiz

  7. Family, Status and Land

    8 lessons
    1. Social Status and Society
    2. The Hierarchy | Social Status in Early Ireland
    3. Education, Military, Rank, Status | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 3)
    4. Mná na hÉireann | The Women of Ireland
    5. Cáin Lánamna | Marriage or The Law of Coupling
    6. Imscarad | Divorce or the Law of Separation
    7. Orbae | Inheritance Under the Brehon Laws
    8. Land Ownership Under the Brehon Law

  8. The Demise of the Brehon Law

    5 lessons
    1. The Vatican, The Crown, And The Demise Of The Brehon Law
    2. Becoming Irish | The Gaelic Revival and the 1300s
    3. The Statutes of Kilkenny 1366
    4. The Case of Tanistry 1608
    5. 3 Brehon Law Principles to Change Society

  9. Wider Society

    13 lessons
    1. Overview of Early Irish Society
    2. Law & Society | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 2)
    3. Money in Early Ireland
    4. Hospitality | An Irish Legal Tradition
    5. Sick Maintenance – Folog n-Othrusa
    6. How Did the Brehon Laws Handle Mental Illness?
    7. Irish Family Names | Origins and Meanings (By: John O’Donovan)
    8. Gaelic Clans and Their Battle Cries
    9. Irish Families and Place Names of Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connacht
    10. An Áenach Tailteann | The Telltown Games (Ancient Irish Olympics)
    11. Festivals, Fairs, and Assemblies
    12. Meet The Last Great Bards of Ireland Discover their History Music and Myth
    13. Wider Society Quiz

  10. Interviews, Presentations, and Podcasts

    34 lessons

    1. Interviews

      1. Interview: The Learned Lineages of Medieval Ireland | With Guest Luke McInerney
      2. Interview (1 of 2): Gold and Silver and Ancient Ireland | With Guest Mark O'Byrne of TaraCoins.ie
      3. Interview (2 of 2): Gold and Silver and Ancient Ireland | With Guest Mark O'Byrne of TaraCoins.ie
      4. Interview: From Catholic Priest to Celtic Monk | Guest Dara Molloy Fionán Coughlan
      5. Interview: Who and What are the Clans of Ireland? Keeping the Flame of Irish Heritage Alive
      6. Interview: The Clans and Dynasties of Ireland with Guest Mike Doyle
      7. Interview: Unravelling Ireland's Ancient Royal Bloodlines | With Guest Ciarán McMahon (Welcome To The Abyss)
      8. Interview: Irish Castles Tower-houses with Guest Martin Breen
      9. Interview (1 of 2): A Conversation with Jim Fitzpatrick | The Visionary Master Behind Ireland's Mythical Revival
      10. Interview (2 of 2): Beyond the Artistic Mind of Jim Fitzpatrick | Is Irish Mythology Just Fairy Tales or Hidden History?
      11. Interview: Sacred Irish Trees with Andrew St. Ledger of the Woodland League
      12. Interview: Plant Wisdom Carved in Stone | Ogham Alphabet with Guest Olivia Wylie
      13. Interview: Kuno Meyer and the Wisdom Poems |The Triads of Ireland with Guest Olivia Wylie
      14. Interview: Uncover the Mysteries of Lough Gur | With Guest Fionán Coughlan
      15. Interview: The Life, the Times, and Legacy of Brian Boru "Emperor of the Scots" | With Guest Author Bertie Brosnan
      16. Interview: Dungeons & Dragons, The Heroes of Tara | With Guest Jacob Duerksen
      17. Interview: The Anglo-Norman Experience | Ruadh Butler and his "Invader Series"

    2. Presentations

      1. Presentation: Brehon Law Past and Present | Maynooth Conference on Early Irish Law
      2. Presentation: Brehon Law in Early Ireland | Uisneach Hill (2015)
      3. Presentation: Ancient Irish Anarchy | ESFLConference, Prague (2016)
      4. Presentation: Ancient Irish Anarchy | Hackers Congress, Prague (2016)
      5. Presentation: Medieval Anarchy? Autonomous Systems in Iceland and Ireland (with Dr. David Friedman)
      6. Presentation: Time, Nature, Justice, Myth, and Family | Uisneach Hill (2024)
      7. Presentation: The Spirit of the Law? What Irish Mythology Can Teach Us About Ancient Irish Laws
      8. Presentation: The Stories That Made Me Irish: Myth, Memory, and Brehon Law | @ Mise Éire Lúnasa Seisiún
      9. External Presentation: Clash of Clans? 16th-century Gaelic Arms, Armour, and Military Dress with Dave Swift of CLAÍOMH

    3. Podcasts

      1. Podcast: "Warrior Codes and Games" | Spirit Within The Land
      2. Podcast: "Bees, Trees, and Brehon Law" on Dublin's 90.3 NEAR FM
      3. Podcast: "Anarchism in Ireland—The History Nobody Knows" | Tom Woods Show
      4. Podcast: "When Ireland Was Stateless" | Portraits of Liberty
      5. Podcast: "Statelessness in Historical Ireland" | Anarchast
      6. Podcast: "Anarchy in Early Ireland" | Culture of Peace Podcast
      7. Podcast: "Anarchy in Early Ireland" | Peace and Liberty Podcast
      8. Podcast: "Éireann is an Energy" | Off-Grid Ireland X Space

  11. Extras and Bonus Materials

    14 lessons
    1. Meet Your Irish Ancestors | A Guide to Researching Your Irish Roots
    2. How to Find Local Ancient Sites (FREE TOOL)
    3. 14 Ancient Names of Ireland – Geoffrey Keating
    4. The Irish Wolfhound
    5. The Hill of Tara Ireland's Premiere Sacred Royal Site
    6. The Story of the Irish Language (1 of 2)
    7. The Story of the Irish Language (2 of 2)
    8. The Apostle of Ireland | Saint Patrick
    9. AudioBook: How the Ancient Irish Excelled in Music & Art
    10. AudioBook: Irish Female Leaders Heroines | The Glories of Ireland
    11. Red Macha – A Woman High King | An Alternative "Emain Macha" Origin Story That's Seldom Heard
    12. The Downfall of the Gael by the Bard O'Gnieve (circa 1580)
    13. The Final Chapter in The Story of the Irish Race? | A Poem About Ireland's Destiny by Ethna Carbery
    14. THE REBEL "Beware the Risen People" | A poem by Pádraig Pearse

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

KEVIN FLANAGAN

Founder of Brehon Academy

 

Kevin Flanagan is the founder of Brehon Academy and has more than 15 years of experience in teaching, training and public speaking. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Law and Society and a Master's degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. He has spent much of his life studying and exploring Irish history, mythology, culture and law.

Since 2013, he has developed an extensive body of educational material exploring Irish history, culture, mythology and Brehon Law.

His approach combines structured teaching with original research, source material, interviews and wider discussion, providing students with an accessible way to explore subjects that are often difficult to encounter in a single place.

Whether you are beginning your exploration of early Ireland or already have a strong interest in Irish history and culture, these courses are designed to help you understand the subject in greater depth.

 

 

 

GET COMPLETE ACCESS TO: 
BREHON LAWS OF EARLY IRELAND

 

132 LESSONS | 59 HOURS | EXTENSIVE BONUS MATERIAL | LIFETIME ACCESS

  $75

 

 

 

BEGIN YOUR EXPLORATION OF
BREHON LAWS OF EARLY IRELAND

 

The laws, customs, and practices of old Ireland are not simply a collection of rules with historical curiosity.

They offer a remarkable insight into how an early society understood justice, responsibility and social order.

Explore the Brehon Laws of Early Ireland and discover one of Europe's most distinctive legal traditions.

 START EXPLORING TODAY