Irish monasticism shares many features with the Benedictine tradition, but many believe that its distinctive features derive from the unusually close relation of the Irish ecclesiastical structure to local, familial politics, and a blending of native and Christian traditions in Ireland quite different from comparable mixtures elsewhere.
Ireland and England
It would be best to begin with an overview of the relation of Irish to Engish monasticisim. The Irish were responsible for the conversion of northern areas of England beginning as early as the late sixth century. You can get a good perspective on the Irish in England by tracing the discussion of Irish monks in Bede's History (on reserve). Consult the index for "Ireland," and then reading those sections and comparing them. Who are the major figures Bede praises, and what does he most admire about them?
The Irish had their own forms of observance for certain feasts and certain aspects of ecclesiastical discipline. What customs of the Irish particularly upset Bede? Why do you think this was the case? What are the larger issues behind Bede's views?
Urban Organization
Early monasteries in Ireland were organized in patterns that are sometimes compared to cities or villages. Such developments emerged around early medieval Dublin. The Irish evidence of the integration of the monastery into society (discussed more fully in the Monastery module), is important because Dublin was a major trading center for the Vikings.
Scholarly Character
Irish monasteries have a pronounced scholarly character. Irish monasteries were initially small settlements that grew because they attracted student populations. Francoise Henry writes that some Irish monasteries in the eighth century developed into "cities, with a lay village attached to and serving the ecclesiastical settlement." We can see such developments around early medieval Dublin. When in 806-810 a large Columban monastery had grown so great that it had to be moved from Dublin to Kells (the monastery famous for the Book of Kells), where a "nova civitas"--a new city--had to be built (Henry 2:39, 43). The study of Irish archaeology during this period is especially significant because Viking settlements were already fixtures; from the middle of the ninth to the eleventh century the religion of Dublin, Henry writes, was "officially pagan" (39). Dublin is rich in Viking burials that attest to the extent and richness of trading linking Scandinavia, Ireland, and the Continent in the ninth century (2:38-39). Viking incursions into Ireland began somewhat later than into England and continued for nearly a full century.
Other Aspects of Irish Monasticism
Important studies on the Irish church that give the flavor and distinctive character of the Irish contribution to monasticism are those by Kathleen Hughes and Ann Hamlin, and by John Ryan (see Bibliography). You might also want to pursue the Irish tradition of illuminated manuscripts by reading about the Book of Kells , in the New Catholic Encyclopedia. In reference to Irish practices of asceticism and the SEAFARER Penance module, see Allen Frantzen's book, the Literature of Penance, on reserve.
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