Posts by Niamh Ni Rain

by Niamh Ni Rain on Dec 21st, 2011 - 3042 Views

The Cathach of St. Columba is one of the oldest known Irish manuscripts (Dublin, Royal Irish Academy). The Cathach which means the “Battler” gets its name from literally being carried into battle. Its historic content however seems older than the manuscript itself – it having been dated... 

by Niamh Ni Rain on May 10th, 2011 - 5140 Views

Book of Lismore was originally known as the Book of McCarthy Reagh, of Cairbre in County Cork (Leabhar Mac Cárthaigh Riabhaigh). At present the manuscript resides at Chatsworth House, England, the Derbyshire seat of the Duke of Devonshire and Cavendish. Its contemporary name derives from its discovery... 

by Niamh Ni Rain on May 10th, 2011 - 9090 Views

For the past few hundred years, Dubliners and non-Dubliners alike have enjoyed strolling through the Phoenix Park, kicking a football around with friends or even deer watching. The Phoenix Park has for many generations been used for the most part as a recreational space. However, evidence for the use... 

by Niamh Ni Rain on Mar 8th, 2011 - 7717 Views

Phoenix Park Ancient Burial Site. In Ireland Megalithic tombs are given many different names such as Dolmen, Cromlech, the Giant’s Grave and Dermot & Grainne’s Bed. The etymology of the word Dolmen: From French, perhaps changed from the Cornish word ’ tol’ meaning hole and ’ men’ a... 

by Niamh Ni Rain on Dec 24th, 2010 - 3423 Views

To reach back into the Celtic past and quantify its presence in history is like trying to explain what a painting looks like with only the use of your finger. The broad outline can be ascertained but without the feel and detail of its colours and brush strokes. The Celtic period lasted as an academic... 

by Niamh Ni Rain on Oct 28th, 2010 - 1928 Views

Aspects of Ireland From the Ogham Oracle Manuscript: Latin; manu scriptus meaning “written by hand”. The abbreviations for manuscript are MS for manuscript and MSS for manuscripts. In Ireland the history of manuscripts begins in the early medieval period. From 400CE onwards, Celtic Christian monks...