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EARLY IRISH CULTURE & SOCIETY ONLINE COURSE

 

Explore the Culture & Society
of Early Ireland

 

 Complete Online Course | 116 Lessons | 51 Hours of Teaching and Bonus Material | Lifetime Access

 

TODAY: $75

 

 

What was life really like in early Ireland?

 

  • How did people live?
  • How was society organised?
  • What did they believe?
  • How were kings chosen?
  • What rights did women have?
  • How were disputes settled?
  • What happened when someone broke the law?
  • And how did stories of gods, heroes and the Otherworld shape Irish culture?

 

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.


EARLY IRISH CULTURE & SOCIETY ONLINE COURSE: 
→ How people lived

 

Explore Ireland's distant past and discover how people lived, worked, married, inherited land, organised their communities, understood social status, chose their leaders and educated themselves.

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 religious traditions associated with figures such as Crom Cruach and the later spread of Christianity, 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, Irish culture, or those who are simply curious; the course bridges ancient customs with their modern echoes, revealing the timeless spirit of Ireland’s early society. 

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

It's the accumulated result of years of research, guest interviews, and original teaching — organised into a 10-hour core curriculum, backed by a 41+ hour library of bonus material you can return to indefinitely.

 

 

 

WHAT YOU GET

 

YOUR COMPLETE EARLY IRELAND CULTURE & SOCIETY COURSE

When you enrol, you receive:

Early Irish Culture & Society for $75

 

PLUS

  • 116 of on-demand video lessons across the complete course
    — with 51 hours of combined teaching and bonus material
  • Broken down into 10 hours of CORE content + 41 hours of optional content
  • Learn at you 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

  • Fascinating Insights into Ancient Irish Life.
  • Explore the social hierarchy, from tribal chieftains to Druids and kings.
  • Examine the roles of women, marriage customs, and fosterage.
  • The renowned education system of the Seven Grades of Wisdom, and much, much more...

 

  

GET INSTANT ACCESS FOR

$75

  

 

 

OVER A DECADE OF RESEARCH, TEACHING AND ORIGINAL MATERIAL

 

This content 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 a combined 51 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.

  

CURIOUS LEARNERS

If you have ever wondered how people in early Ireland lived, believed, governed themselves and understood their world, this course provides a structured introduction to the subject.

 

 

TESTIMONIALS

What learners are saying about the Early Irish Culture & Society course...

Tsvetelina Petkova

The course is well-designed, engaging, and inspiring. I learnt so much for which I am deeply grateful!

 

Patricio Lemos

This course is an amazing opportunity to know more about your ancestors. Very detailed, and you can even download all the material.

Laura Collins

This is great, love that I can do this at my own pace (especially considering I'm picking this back up after over a year...)

Donna K Hamill

Makes history come alive!
Based on in-depth research with constant attention to source material, but course also presents those facts in a way that illustrates how they affected the lives and culture of the people.

I live in Arizona, so far from the home of my Irish ancestors. This class helps me understand what it means to be Irish. It connects me with my roots. I purchased the entire set, doing the culture one first, and can’t wait to begin the next one, Mythology.

John Burke

The quality of the content provided and research done here is absolutely extraordinary, and I have been learning quite a bit. 

Outside of that, the class instructor knows his stuff, very well informed, and seems to reference all the right people.
So thank you for all you have put together

 

Ashley Dawn Richmond

I really enjoyed this course. It has helped broaden my mind & opened up a lot of information that I did not know about.
I am part Irish on my dad's side & I enjoy learning all I can about Ireland & its people & cultures. Thank You Kevin for doing an amazing job with this course.

 Fred Carpenter

Clear speaker.
Good speaking style.
Entertaining.

Patrick Marron

A gem! 
When you are interested in ancient Irish culture it is hard to find works that match the interest.

This class is a ray of light for those seeking knowledge of ancient Ireland in a vast darkness

Jeannine Grossenbacher

Instructor seems very knowledgeable about the subject, and presents it in a clear and concise manner.

Gena Kelly

I really enjoyed this course. I’m Australian with Irish Ancestry, and I was eager to learn about their Irish history.

I’m totally intrigued, and want to know more about the Brehon Law, so I’ve enrolled in that course also.

I resonated with the ideology and customs of ancient Ireland, under this law.

Look forward to exploring it on a deeper level...

Nat Canevari

Taught in a way that is engaging and simple to understand.
 

Karin Klunk

Vey informative and detailed.

Surely recommend this course to get a first look at Irish culture.

EARLY IRISH
CULTURE & SOCIETY

CURRICULUM

116 LESSONS | ACROSS THE COMPLETE COURSE

Early Irish Culture and Society

  1. Fáilte - Welcome!

    1 lesson
    1. Instructor Introduction and Course Overview

  2. Blood and Soil | Clan and Land

    18 lessons
    1. An Tuath agus An Fine | The Tribe and The Family
    2. Model of the Three Primary Family Units in Early Irish Society
    3. Dwellings in Early Ireland
    4. Father, Husband, Warrior, King
    5. Rights of Women in Early Ireland
    6. Women, Work and Status
    7. Irish Family Names | Origins and Meanings (By: John O’Donovan)
    8. Cáin Lánamna | Marriage or the ‘Law of Coupling’
    9. Imscarad | Divorce or the ‘Law of Separation’
    10. Children and Fosterage
    11. AudioBook: Irish Female Leaders Heroines | The Glories of Ireland
    12. 5 Types of Land Ownership Under the Brehon Law
    13. Orbae | Inheritance under the Brehon Law
    14. Gaelic Clans and Their Battle Cries
    15. Irish Families and Place Names of Ulster, Munster, Leinster, and Connacht
    16. Origins | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 1)
    17. Blood and Soil Section Summary
    18. Quiz: Blood and Soil | Clan and Land

  3. Social Status and Society in Early Ireland

    8 lessons
    1. The Hierarchy | Social Status in Early Ireland
    2. Daer | The Unfree (Bonded) Classes
    3. Saer | The Free Classes
    4. an tSaer | Craftsmen
    5. Áes Dana | Artisans, Poets, and Highly Skilled Classes
    6. An Nemed | The Privileged Classes
    7. Status and Society Section Summary
    8. Quiz: Social Status and Society in Early Ireland

  4. Education & The Seven Grades of Wisdom

    4 lessons
    1. Education in Early Ireland
    2. Secht n-Gráidh Écna | Seven Grades of Wisdom
    3. Education, Military, Rank, Status | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 3)
    4. Quiz: Education & The Seven Grades of Wisdom

  5. Royal Erin: Irish Kingship and Royal Sites

    13 lessons
    1. Ríthe na hÉireann | Kings of Ireland
    2. From Chieftains to High-Kings | Primary Grades of Kingship
    3. Elections of Chieftains and Kings
    4. Gíall | Hostages
    5. Rituals of Kingship: Royal Inauguration Rituals
    6. Ancient Royal Sites of Ireland
    7. From the Dagda to Brian Boru | The Harp of Ireland
    8. AudioBook: Irish Kings of the 7th & 8th Centuries (by D'Arcy McGill)
    9. Red Macha – A Woman High King | An Alternative "Emain Macha" Origin Story That's Seldom Heard
    10. The Rise of the Dal Cas in Irish History | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 5)
    11. Brian Boru and the Vikings | Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 6)
    12. Royal Erin Section Summary
    13. Quiz: Royal Erin: Irish Kingship and Royal Sites

  6. From Crom Cruach to Christ: Beliefs & Spirituality

    9 lessons
    1. The Old Religion and the Druids
    2. Spiritual Beliefs of the Early Irish | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 4)
    3. AudioBook: How the Ancient Irish Lived as Pagans
    4. Burial Rites & Funeral Customs of Ireland
    5. Keening | The Irish Funeral Song
    6. AudioBook: How the Ancient Irish Lived as Christians
    7. Christianity | A Brief Insight
    8. The Apostle of Ireland | Saint Patrick
    9. Quiz: From Crom Cruach to Christ: Beliefs & Spirituality

  7. Wider Society

    11 lessons
    1. Overview of Early Irish Society
    2. Introduction to the Brehon Laws
    3. Law & Society | The Story of an Irish Sept (Chapter 2)
    4. Meet The Last Great Bards of Ireland Discover their History Music and Myth
    5. Hospitality | An Irish Legal Tradition
    6. Folog n-Othrusa | Sick Maintenance
    7. Money in Early Ireland
    8. Festivals, Fairs, and Assemblies
    9. An Áenach Tailteann | The Telltown Games (Ancient Irish Olympics)
    10. AudioBook: How the Ancient Irish Excelled in Music & Art
    11. Quiz: Wider Society

  8. 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

  9. Extras & Bonus Materials

    10 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 Downfall of the Gael by the Bard O'Gnieve (circa 1580)
    9. The Final Chapter in The Story of the Irish Race? | A Poem About Ireland's Destiny by Ethna Carbery
    10. THE REBEL "Beware the Risen People" | A poem by Pádraig Pearse

  10. Is Irish Mythology History or Fable?

    6 lessons
    1. History or Fable? | Euhemerists & Others (1/6)
    2. History or Fable? | Lebor Gabála (2/6)
    3. History or Fable? | The Genealogies (3/6)
    4. History or Fable? | The Ulidian Tales (Ulster Cycle) (4/6)
    5. History or Fable? | Finn and the Fianna (5/6)
    6. History or Fable? | Conn Cétchathach & Cormac Ua Cuinn (Historical/Cycle of Kings) (6/6)

  11. Slán - Goodbye!

    1 lesson
    1. Goodbye and Thanks

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:
EARLY IRISH CULTURE AND SOCIETY

 

116 LESSONS | EXTENSIVE BONUS MATERIAL | LIFETIME ACCESS

 

  $75

 

 

 

BEGIN YOUR EXPLORATION
OF EARLY IRISH CULTURE & SOCIETY

 

The history of Ireland is not only found in chronicles and dates.

It can also be explored through the way people lived, the stories they preserved, the laws they followed, the places they built, the traditions they passed down and the ideas that shaped their society.

Start exploring today.