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IRISH MYTHOLOGY
ONLINE COURSE

 

Explore the Mythology
of Early Ireland

 

 132 Lessons | 4 Mythological Cycles | 59 Hours of Teaching and Bonus Material | Lifetime Access

 

TODAY: $75

 

What was life really like in early Ireland?

 

  • What did the people of early Ireland believe?

  • Who were the Tuatha Dé Danann?

  •  Where did the Irish gods come from?

  •  What do the great mythological cycles tell us about Irish culture?

  •  Who was Cú Chulainn, and how did he become the greatest hero of Ulster?

  •  Who was Fionn mac Cumhaill, and what did the Fianna represent?

  •  Where does mythology end and history begin?

  •  And what can the stories of gods, heroes and legendary kings tell us about the people who preserved them?

 

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. 

IRISH MYTHOLOGY → What people believed and imagined

Explore the four great cycles of Irish tradition — the Mythological Cycle, Ulster Cycle, Fenian Cycle and Cycle of Kings — and the gods, heroes, warriors and legendary rulers who inhabit them; from the Book of Invasions to Cú Chulainn, Fionn mac Cumhaill and the legendary and semi-historical kings of Ireland.

This online course about Irish Mythology is a comprehensive journey through the rich tapestry of Ireland’s mythological traditions and legendary past, spanning ancient tales of gods and heroes to the semi-historical accounts of kings. 

From the tribal systems of early Irish society to the historical kings of the 7th and 8th centuries, learners will encounter gods like Lúgh and the Morrigan, heroes like Cú Chulainn and Finn McCool, and kings like Conchobhar and Mongán.

Each section features detailed narratives, key figures, and lesson outcomes that encourage understanding, recognition, discussion, and analysis of Ireland’s mythic and historical evolution.

Whether exploring the divine invasions of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the cattle raids of Ulster, or the poetic wisdom of the Fianna, or the kings that have one foot in the mythological past and the other in verifiable historical records; this course offers a vibrant lens into Ireland’s past and its lasting cultural resonance.

Through 132 engaging lessons, learners will uncover the origins of Ireland’s mythic landscape, the exploits of its greatest heroes, and the legacy of its royal figures, while examining how these narratives blend history, spirituality, and imagination. 

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 an 11-hour core curriculum covering Ireland's four great mythological cycles, backed by a nearly 48-hour library of bonus material you can return to indefinitely.

 

 

 

WHAT YOU GET

 

YOUR COMPLETE IRISH MYTHOLOGY COURSE

When you enrol today, you receive:

IRISH MYTHOLOGY for $75

 

PLUS

  • 132 of on-demand video lessons across the complete course,
    — with 59 hours of teaching and bonus material
  • Broken down into 11 hours of CORE content + 48 hours of BONUS MATERIAL
  • Learn 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 four great cycles of Irish tradition: the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle and the Cycle of Kings.
  • Discover the mysterious Tuatha Dé Danann and the legendary waves of people who came to Ireland.
  • Explore how Cú Chulainn got his name and how he single-handedly defended Ulster against the armies of Ireland.
  • Follow Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna through the landscapes of legendary Ireland.
  • Then enter the world of the legendary and semi-historical kings, where mythology and history begin to overlap.

 

 

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 59 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 Ireland.

 

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.

 

LOVERS OF IRISH MYTHOLOGY

Explore the stories of the Tuatha Dé Danann, Cú Chulainn, Finn McCool and the legendary kings of Ireland.

  

CURIOUS LEARNERS

If you have ever wondered what the stories of early Ireland can tell us about the people who created and preserved them, this course provides a structured introduction to Irish mythology and its relationship with Ireland's cultural and historical traditions.

 

 

 TESTIMONIALS

What learners are saying about the Irish Mythology course...

Aidan Killian

Clear and well researched.
Well-spoken and offers high value.
Delighted this exists.

Trudy Carmody

Very informative and enthusiastically delivered. Definitely what I expected and more.

Liam Doyle

The course has helped me massively towards my MA degree dissertation. The organisation and explanation of the texts is excellent.

Tsvetelina Petkova

Fantastic and enjoyable course. I learned so much. Irish mythology is a fascinating subject to study. Thank you, Mr. Flanagan!

Catherine McIntyre

Good delivery. Hearing the correct pronunciation of names is a bonus. Good introduction which has encouraged me to learn more.

Rebecca McTaggart

A friend suggested taking the course and I agreed. I have Scottish ancestry and so the notion of Celtic mythology is interesting to me.

Anna Schmidt

Great detail of history and mythology converging, and great references.

Douglas MacGowan

Very, very educational and enjoyable!

Natasha Hervey

The Irish Mythology course is brilliantly laid out with a plethora of information.
Highly recommend!

IRISH MYTHOLOGY

CURRICULUM

132 LESSONS | ACROSS THE COMPLETE COURSE

Irish Mythology

  1. Introduction to Irish Mythology

    10 lessons
    1. Sources of Irish Mythology
    2. Map of Ireland in the Heroic Times
    3. (1 of 6) Euhemerists & Others | Is Irish Mythology History or Fable?
    4. The Old Religion & The Druids
    5. AudioBook: How the Ancient Irish Lived as Pagans
    6. AudioBook: How the Ancient Irish Lived as Christians
    7. Christian Influence on Irish Mythology
    8. "Spiritual Beliefs of the Early Irish" | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 4)
    9. Meet The Last Great Bards of Ireland Discover their History Music and Myth
    10. INTRODUCTION QUIZ

  2. The Mythological Cycle

    25 lessons
    1. A Brief Overview of the Mythological Cycle
    2. Lebor Gabála Éireann - Book of the Takings of Ireland
    3. (2 of 6) Lebor Gabála | Is Irish Mythology History or Fable?
    4. The Gaelic Gods | Psychology and Irish Mythology
    5. The Gaelic Goddesses | Psychology and Irish Mythology
    6. Mythic Origins of the Irish People: The Cessarians (1 of 6)
    7. Mythic Origins of the Irish People: The Partholonians (2 of 6)
    8. The First Judgment in Ireland | Established Rights of Wives
    9. Mythic Origins of the Irish People: The Nemedians (3 of 6)
    10. Mythic Origins of the Irish People: The Fir Bolgs (4 of 6)
    11. Who Were the Fir Bolgs? The Basque Connection
    12. Mythic Origins of the Irish People: The Tuatha Dé Danann (5 of 6)
    13. Who Were the Tuatha Dé Danann?
    14. ‘The Stolen Child’ – A Poem by W.B. Yeats
    15. The Arrival of Tuatha Dé Danann
    16. Gods, Demons, Fairies Or Monsters: Who Were The Mysterious 'Daoine Sidhe'?
    17. The Tuatha Dé Danann and Irish Fairy Beliefs
    18. Mythic Origins of the Irish People: The Milesians (6 of 6)
    19. Who Were the Formorians? | Ireland’s Most Mysterious Mythical People
    20. External: The Fate of the Children of Lir
    21. Aisling Aengus – The Dream of Angus
    22. De Gabáil in tSída – The Taking of the Fairy Mound
    23. An Dindshenchas – The Lore of Place Names
    24. Amergín’s Incantation & Song of Triumph
    25. Mythological Cycle Quiz

  3. The Ulster Cycle of Irish Mythology

    11 lessons
    1. The Táin and Other Tales from the Ulster Cycle
    2. The Pangs of Ulster
    3. The Quarrel of the Two Pig Keepers
    4. How Conchobhar Was Begotten And How He Took The Kingship Of Ulster
    5. How Cú Chulainn Was Begotten
    6. How Cú Chulainn Got His Name
    7. Scáthach’s Prophecy for Cú Chulainn
    8. The Cattle Raid of Cooley (Told in Less Than 13 Minutes)
    9. Aided Cú Chulainn | The Death of Cú Chulainn
    10. (4 of 6) The Ulidian Tales (Ulster Cycle) | Is Irish Mythology History or Fable?
    11. The Ulster Cycle Quiz

  4. The Fenian Cycle of Irish Mythology

    11 lessons
    1. Overview to the Fenian Cycle
    2. Fionn, Finn, Fianna, Fian?
    3. Na Fianna – An Elite Warrior Guild
    4. Who was Finn McCool?
    5. Finn and the Salmon of Knowledge
    6. Finn Mc Cool’s Advice to a Fianna Warrior
    7. Laoi Oisín as Tír na nÓg – The Lay of Oisin in the Land of the Young
    8. How Finn Mc Cool Created Lough Neagh, Isle of Man, and the Giant’s Causeway
    9. Acallam na Senórach – Dialogue of the Sages
    10. (5 of 6) Finn and the Fianna | Is Irish Mythology History or Fable?
    11. The Fenian Cycle Quiz

  5. The Cycle of Kings

    17 lessons
    1. Introduction to the Cycle of Kings
    2. Rithe na hÉireann - Kings of Ireland
    3. Rituals of Kingship: Royal Inauguration Rituals
    4. Ancient Royal Sites of Ireland
    5. King Labraid Loingseach – The King with Horse’s Ears
    6. King Mongán Mac Fiachna
    7. King Cormac Mac Airt – A Portrait of “Ireland’s Greatest King”
    8. King Cormac Mac Airt - The Life, Times, and Death of an Irish High King
    9. King Conaire Mór: Conary ‘The Great’
    10. King Niall Noígíallach - King Niall of the Nine Hostages
    11. AudioBook: Irish Kings of the 7th & 8th Centuries (by D'Arcy McGill)
    12. (3 of 6 )The Genealogies | Is Irish Mythology History or Fable?
    13. (6 of 6) Conn Cétchathach & Cormac Ua Cuinn (Historical/Cycle of Kings) | Is Irish Mythology History or Fable?
    14. From the Dagda to Brian Boru | The Harp of Ireland
    15. The Hill of Tara Ireland's Premiere Sacred Royal Site
    16. Red Macha – A Woman High King | An Alternative "Emain Macha" Origin Story That's Seldom Heard
    17. The Cycle of Kings Quiz

  6. Wider Society

    12 lessons
    1. Overview of Early Irish Society
    2. The Hierarchy | Social Status in Early Ireland
    3. Introduction to the Brehon Laws
    4. AudioBook: How the Ancient Irish Excelled in Music & Art
    5. Irish Family Names | Origins and Meanings (By: John O’Donovan)
    6. Gaelic Clans and Their Battle Cries
    7. Irish Families and Place Names of Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connacht
    8. AudioBook: Irish Female Leaders Heroines | The Glories of Ireland
    9. An Áenach Tailteann | The Telltown Games (Ancient Irish Olympics)
    10. Festivals, Fairs, and Assemblies
    11. Secht n-Gráidh Écna | Seven Grades of Wisdom
    12. Wider Society Quiz

  7. Interviews, Presentations, and Podcasts

    35 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: The Clans and Dynasties of Ireland with Guest Mike Doyle
      6. Interview: Who and What are the Clans of Ireland? Keeping the Flame of Irish Heritage Alive
      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: "Some Problems with the Brehon Law" | Anarchast (Segment)
      6. Podcast: "Statelessness in Historical Ireland" | Anarchast
      7. Podcast: "Anarchy in Early Ireland" | Culture of Peace Podcast
      8. Podcast: "Anarchy in Early Ireland" | Peace and Liberty Podcast
      9. Podcast: "Éireann is an Energy" | Off-Grid Ireland X Space

  8. Extras & Bonus Materials

    11 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. The Downfall of the Gael by the Bard O'Gnieve (circa 1580)
    10. The Final Chapter in The Story of the Irish Race? | A Poem About Ireland's Destiny by Ethna Carbery
    11. 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:
IRISH MYTHOLOGY

 

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

  $75

 

 

 

BEGIN YOUR EXPLORATION
OF IRISH MYTHOLOGY

 

The mythology of Ireland is not simply a collection of old stories.

It is preserved in tales of gods, heroes, warriors and kings; in cycles of invasion, conflict and sovereignty;
and in stories that blur the boundaries between mythology, history and tradition.

Explore the stories of early Ireland and discover the world they reveal.

START EXPLORING TODAY