Learn all about Early Irish Culture & Society in this comprehensive and engaging online course.
Step into the enchanting world of ancient Ireland—enroll today in our comprehensive online course and unlock the mysteries of a civilization that shaped history!
From the tribal kinship of early Irish septs to the royal courts of the 7th and 8th centuries, learners will encounter figures like Brian Boru, the Druids, and the skilled Áes Dana, alongside the everyday lives of families, craftsmen, and kings.
Each section features rich narratives, key societal roles, and insights that foster understanding, reflection, and discussion of Ireland’s cultural and social evolution.
Whether exploring the sacred bond of blood and soil, the rituals of kingship at ancient royal sites, or the transition from pagan Crom Cruach to Christian faith, this course offers a vivid window into Ireland’s past and its enduring traditions.
Through engaging lessons, learners will uncover the foundations of family, land, and status, the wisdom of the Seven Grades, and the vibrant festivals that united communities, while examining how these elements shaped a unique Gaelic identity.
Designed for enthusiasts of history, heritage, and Irish culture, the course bridges ancient customs with their modern echoes, revealing the timeless spirit of Ireland’s early society.
What you'll get:
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Lifetime Access to a Rich Learning Experience: Dive deep into the foundations of family, land, and kingship, with exclusive videos, resources, and membership to the Brehon Academy’s resource library—all at your own pace, on any device.
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Fascinating Insights into Ancient Irish Life: Explore the social hierarchy, from tribal chieftains to Druids, and uncover the roles of women, marriage customs, and the revered education system of the seven grades of wisdom.
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A Journey Through Spirituality and Society: Discover the old religion, the arrival of Christianity, and the vibrant traditions of art, hospitality, festivals, and Brehon Law that defined early Ireland.
No prior knowledge required—just a curiosity for Ireland’s vibrant past.
Enrol now and gain instant access to this unparalleled course.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, heritage seekers, or anyone eager to connect with their roots!
What's Included?
Section 1: Blood and Soil
This foundational section explores the deep ties between family, land, and identity in early Irish society. It examines tribal and family structures, the roles of men and women, and the laws governing marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Learners will uncover how dwellings, land ownership, and clan traditions shaped the Gaelic way of life, rooted in blood and soil.
- Key Topics: Tribal and family units, women’s rights, marriage and divorce, land ownership, clan names
Section 2: Social Status and Society in Early Ireland
This section delves into the intricate social hierarchy of early Ireland, from the unfree (Daer) to the privileged (Nemed). Learners will explore the roles of craftsmen, artisans, poets, and skilled classes, understanding how status defined relationships and responsibilities within Gaelic society.
- Key Topics: Social hierarchy, unfree and free classes, craftsmen, artisans, privileged classes
Section 3: Royal Erin: Irish Kingship and Royal Sites
Focusing on the grandeur of Irish kingship, this section traces the journey from chieftains to high-kings, exploring elections, hostage-taking, and royal inauguration rituals. Learners will visit ancient royal sites and encounter figures like Brian Boru, revealing the power and symbolism of kingship in early Ireland.
- Key Topics: Kings of Ireland, grades of kingship, elections, hostages, royal sites
Section 4: Education & The Seven Grades of Wisdom
This section uncovers the educational traditions of early Ireland, emphasizing the revered “Seven Grades of Wisdom.” Learners will examine how knowledge, military training, and rank intertwined, drawing from stories of Irish septs to illustrate the intellectual and cultural priorities of the time.
- Key Topics: Early education, seven grades of wisdom, military and status education
Section 5: From Crom Cruach to Christ: Beliefs & Spirituality
Exploring the spiritual evolution of early Ireland, this section spans the old religion of the Druids to the arrival of Christianity. Learners will discover pagan lifestyles, burial rites, and the haunting tradition of keening, understanding how beliefs shaped both individual and communal life.
- Key Topics: Druids, pagan beliefs, Christian transition, burial customs, keening
Section 6: Wider Society
Broadening the perspective, this section examines the vibrant tapestry of early Irish culture beyond family and status. From ancient names and money to Brehon Law, bards, hospitality, and festivals like the Telltown Games, learners will see how art, music, and community traditions flourished.
- Key Topics: Ancient names, money, Brehon Law, bards, hospitality, festivals