[In Search of Ancient Ireland: The Origins of the Irish from Neolithic Times to the Coming of the English] [By: Carmel McCaffrey] [June, 2003]

by Carmel McCaffrey

"The Irish, as Carmel McCaffrey and Leo Eaton show in In Search of Ancient Ireland, are not Celtic in an archaeological sense. And there were plenty of bishops in Ireland before a British missionary called Patrick arrived." "Most of what we think of as Irish is a product of the nineteenth century. Many times in the past five thousand years Ireland has stood at the heart of European culture. In the middle of the eighth century B.C. it may have been the wealthiest place in Europe." "Ms. McCaffrey and Mr. Eaton trace the history, archaeology, and legends of ancient Ireland from 9000 B.C., when nomadic hunter-gatheres appeared in Ireland at the end of the last Ice Age - to 1167 A.D., when a Norman invasion brought the country under control of the English crown for the first time." "The authors visited monasteries and ring forts, climbed mountains and delved deep into sacred caves, and were accompanied on this journey through the historical landscape by many of Ireland's best-known scholars, historians, archaeologists, poets, and storytellers." Ireland's ancient past is still filled with many mysteries. But because of a cascade of new archaeological discoveries and new techniques for interpreting them, the truth about this past is coming into sharper focus. This book is replete with new information, some of it at odds with what many Irish descendants believe about their ancestral home.

Genres: History, Ireland, Nonfiction, Irish Literature, Ancient History, Archaeology, Travel

Unknown Binding

First published October 1, 2002

About the author

Carmel McCaffrey is an Irish author and lecturer on Irish history, literature, culture, and language at Johns Hopkins University and at the Smithsonian Institution in Baltimore, Maryland.

She was born in Dublin and now lives in Mount Airy, Maryland. She is an Irish speaker and frequently travels to Ireland.

Reviews

[Zjay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This work provides lots of information. I learned quite a bit about the kind of Catholicism that initially flourished in Ireland. The Irish became Catholic but kept married priests. Abbots, not bishops, ruled the Irish church. As one of the only Catholic countries not conquered by Rome, it preserved Western culture. Irish monks preserved, studied and copied many Greek and Latin manuscripts. Irish priests, trained in Irish monasteries, were sought after all over Europe during Medieval times. But with the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, diocesan bishoprics were imposed and the Irish monasteries withered.

I also learned about the Viking attacks. Despite their ferocity, the Viking attacks never terminated any of the Irish kingdoms. The Vikings came usually without women and, finding Irish women irresistible, were soon absorbed into the gene pool.

This work is a companion piece to a PBS series. It is not a scholarly work. (There are no footnotes, for example.) This book is in the breezy style of a reporter's journal--a record of interviews and trips to see castles, battlefields and archaeological digs. Clearly a lot of reading and preparation went into the project, but most of that scholarship was left on the cutting room floor. The book introduces us to historians and archaeologists whose findings often are cited to question the many legends and myths the Irish hold onto about their past. However, the scholars who hold opposing views are rarely introduced.

This work presents much information and goes to great lengths to separate fact from fiction. The chief myth involves the Celtic origin of the Irish--a fable that dates back to the 19th century writers who believed the Irish people deserved a cultural identity established in the deep past. By A.D. 100 Ireland was a Celtic-speaking island, but archaeology does not support the notion of a Celtic invasion around 500 B.C.

If you have to decide between the documentary film series and the book, I would recommend viewing the film version.

[Elyrria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly outdated since, in 2016, paleolithic human occupation was discovered in Ireland, but most of the information is still helpful. Reads like an epic fiction story, even though it's actually a dense history book.

[Frank McAdam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the companion volume to a PBS documentary, so don't expect any in-depth scholarship. On the other hand, the book's anecdotal style makes it easy to read and allows it to serve as an excellent general introduction to early Irish history. The slim volume (265 pages of text) contains a wealth of information for those, like myself, who have only the sketchiest knowledge of the subject. The book ends with one of the saddest chapters in Irish history - the first invasion by the English in 1167.

[Phyllis Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the companion to the PBS series and traces the history of ancient Ireland from 9000 BC to the invasion of Ireland in 1167 by the English. It covers the myths, legends, archaeology from the first nomadic hunter-gatherers , how agriculture started, how Christianity got started and much more.

[Christy J-Furem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great history of ancient Ireland told in bite-size chapters. I also enjoyed the narration style of Carmel McCaffrey, very personable with a bit of humor.

[Tim Gannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It deals with the history of Ireland from neolithic times to the coming of the English. I am primarily Irish in heritage. I was curious to learn about the people and see if I could note any influence of my cultural past in the paths that I have chosen across my life. Plus I wanted to read what was available on the history of Druids. Apparently this book was written based on current knowledge of some notable Irish archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians who appeared to go to great lengths to try and separate fact from fiction. Thought the book was somewhat disjointed but an acceptable "starter" book. Although, I would have liked it to describe much more of the Irish people rather than just cataloging the centuries of wars and conflicts and who won. Like most books, it raises more questions than it answers. Oh ya, there was nothing about leprechauns either.

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. Factual, written by artcheologlists. We are ordering one to keep in our collection.

[Francisca · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF-ed at 42%

when looking for a book about ancient Irish history, I selected the book written by an actual historian working at a university before realising this was a companion book to a TV series. the fact that this book has obviously been written after the show had been made and, at times, reads more like a script than a history book did not bother me much. although with time I have come to prefer history books written like Mary Beard's SPQR and Cat Jarman's River Kings, using specific historical artefacts as the central points of their structure, I was willing to forgive the visualised presentation of information in this book where the hosts (I mean, writers) meet different specialists in different locations to discuss very specific information in ways, I'm certain, looked good on camera. I was interested in the subject material and ready to disregard this.

what I could not disregard was the obvious lack of critical work and engagement with sources and information. let me explain.

the first instance in which I began to realise this was a book written by a historian but not meant to be treated as a history book was when discussing the epic poem Táin Bó Cúailnge. long story short, this poem talks about a conflict between two factions seeking to acquire a black bull and represents, among many things, a great example of the social dynamics during the period--particularly in terms of women and materiality (more on this second point below). the authors do explicitly state this text is merely a transcription written down centuries later in monasteries and, therefore, passed through a Christian lens which the original definitely did not intend. this is an important annotation which I was glad to see. the issue comes, however, when they briefly use this text to discuss the possibility of there being women warriors during the period and whether the presence of actual women warriors in history was true or an addition meant to be derided by Christian monks. although they do not take this text at face value, they do use it as a starting point for this subject which does lead them to discuss Julius Ceasar's writings on the Celtic people. this is troubling as the authors focus on a single quote from this text which discusses how ten of his men are next to nothing in comparison to a female Celtic warrior. they soak this in as a fundamental proof of their existence and recognition without even referring to the context within which Ceasar might have written this or any other possible interpretations: what if he made this comparison, not because he admired those warriors, but to criticise and ridicule his own men? the mere possibility of this quote meaning anything but its surface-level meaning in a history book was very troubling.

the second and most troubling instance came later when discussing the ancient Irish law codes and became most representative of the tone this book bears. without properly stating it, it is clear from the beginning the authors not only admire ancient Irish customs but also, romanticise them. this is most glaring with their discussion of slavery during the period. what made ancient Irish laws stand out in comparison to other codexes within the region, apparently, was their detailed and diligent specifications regarding different instances slave owners might encounter (among other subjects). these laws, once more, are taken at face value, seen as examples of Irish people's concerns for the wellbeing and dignity of their slaves (a phrase simply impossible to be true), particularly when owners have 'sexual intercourse' with their female slaves and how they can be protected. ignoring the fact that the authors do not engage in any form with the possibility that intercourse between an owner and an owned person is nothing but rape, they never consider the possibility that these laws have not been written down with the slaves' benefit in mind. as their discussion of the Táin Bó Cúailng's preoccupation with materiality proved (there are large sections of this poem detailing the main characters' material wealth and its main focus is the acquisition of an object), Irish people during the period took their possessions very seriously.

the fact that this very simple connection between slavery and materialism is never addressed by the authors made me put this book down at once. this is not a history book but a nice, shiny painting of a single, one-dimensional perspective of a very complicated history and people. hard pass.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I watched the PBS series that was released with this book almost 20 years ago and loved it. Having just finished Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Chronicles, and having read Lion of Ireland: The Legend of Brian Boru a long time ago (and liking the TV show Vikings), I was primed for this one.

Three things I didn't know (or if I knew them, I had forgotten). First, Scotland means "Land of the Irish" in Gaelic. Second, the Normans were descendants of the Norse. Third: there was no Celtic invasion. It was gradual. So: facts.

I have always been interested in pre-history, like the Neolithic Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, etc. In college, I took a few Anthropology classes and a few Ancient History classes, so I've always had a bit of a taste for this stuff. Long ago I read Celtic Myths and Legends and enjoyed it very much, so it's all sort of swirling around in my head. I dig Yeats, too. Took a class in Irish Literature. I'm kind of all-in.

Went to Ireland. Loved it. My entire family is Irish, except for my paternal grandmother, who was Italian (from Naples). Someone had to cook, right? That's what my grandfather said. He was a sensible man. He also told me we were descended from Irish kings, which I thought was cool...until I realized there were like 5,000 Irish kings. None the less, though: I may in fact be royalty.

My Italian family has been Catholic for like 2,000 years, but I suspect my Irish side was not, and instead were a part of the Irish Christian Church, which was a very different thing. Interesting...

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited about this book, which is why I think I was so disappointed. I love learning more about the histories of different countries/regions, especially the folklore and legends that give insight into the foundation of the culture.

I put all of my love for those topics into the hope for this book. While it delivered slightly, I felt that overall the book was clunky and tough to get through. The first two chapters The First Irish and The Age of Bronze weren't really my jam, but I understood they were there to set the foundation. However, looking at the rest of the chapter titles I was still looking forward to the book. Pagan Celtic and Religious Laws? Yes, please!

I did like that the authors combined the folklore with the true history, explaining what is exaggerated and the motivations for telling these stories. However, this is where the book because difficult to read. Every thing is broken down into so many headings that it actually makes it harder to follow along and enjoy the stories. For example, the legend of Táin Bó Cuailgne is divided into 7 subsections and St. Patrick's life story is divided into 11 subsections. It was just too much of a break down. Additionally, within each of these subsections the authors combine the folklore and the actual history. It would have been easier to read, digest and enjoy the book, if we had a section on the folklore, then explain the exaggerated points and motivations behind these stories.

Overall, was this the magical book I hoped it would be? No. But it is a well researched account of Ancient Ireland. It just may be tough to get through.

[Tim Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

_In Search of Ancient Ireland_ by Carmel McCaffrey and Leo Eaton is a well-written and thorough tour of Irish history from Neolithic times following the last Ice Age up into the 12th century.

Chapter one looked at the first Irish people. The chapter began with the authors touring the Irish countryside examining eskers, long gravel ridges left behind by retreating glaciers, features that once served as elevated roads relatively free of vegetation, useful to Ireland's first arrivals. Although there is debate over whether a land-bridge still existed at the time between Britain and Ireland, the first people to settle Ireland arrived in small family groups around 9000 BC, having left southwest Scotland for northeast Ireland. The authors discussed Mount Sandel, a Mesolithic site dating to around 7000 BC. Notable finds from the camp include fulacht fiadh (also known from the Bronze Age), essentially mounds of fire-heated stones that were used to boil water for cooking. More dramatic though are the 1500 megalithic structures from Neolithic Ireland built largely between 4000-2000 BC, structures that are evidence of large communities with considerable organization. The authors discussed dolmans, court tombs, and wedge tombs.

Chapter two reviewed Bronze Age Ireland, which began around 2400 BC. The authors examined a Bronze Age mine, the famous stone circles of the era (hundreds of all sizes were constructed between the end of the Neolithic and the start of the Iron Age around 500 BC), the importance of cattle (as one expert said, "raising cattle is the key to understanding Ireland...everything is about cattle"), the traumatic climatic events that took place between 1159-1141 BC that led to the development of Ireland's first warrior aristocracy and hill forts, and crannogs (artificial lake islands, usually with no more than two huts).

Chapter three examined who the Celts were and what it means to be "Celtic," reviewing the history of the term (which is of very recent origins), how there is no evidence of any large-scale Celtic invasion from Europe (though Celtic culture and language did indeed arrive), and how Celtic should be seen as a cultural and linguistic term, not an ethnic one. A very interesting section examined in detail _An Tain Bo Cualigne_ (frequently just called _The Tain_ or translated as _The Cattle Raid of Cooley_, the greatest Irish story and oldest epic written in a vernacular European language).

The fourth chapter looked at religion and laws. Topics included the druids, various Irish festivals (Samain was a great feast that marked the end of the year and the start of the new one on November 1st, a festival that eventually transformed into Halloween), the Brehon Laws (administered by judges known as brehons, a vital part of Irish life though not written down until seventh and eighth centuries), the significant role of fili or poets, and women's rights in Ireland (much better under Brehon Laws).

Chapter five was devoted to fifth century St. Patrick, detailing his life (interestingly, he was not the first missionary to Ireland nor was he in fact Irish) and how the cult of St. Patrick developed (largely for the political expediency of various Irish leaders).

The sixth chapter looked at the rise of Christianity, how was it spread from the top down in Ireland, how missionaries had to adapt an essentially urban religion to a land without cities, its largely nonviolent acceptance, how some Celtic gods morphed into saints (St. Brigid might have either have been a real person or the goddess Brigid). A major figure is St Enda, the man most responsible for introducing monasticism to Ireland.

Chapter seven examined in detail the Irish monasteries, which were surprisingly worldly (Irish monks frequently married and were not poor) and scholarly (they preserved much Classical literature). While some monasteries basically became cities with many lay persons living and working there, others were founded in very remote places, notably desolate off-shore islands and even Iceland (appalled at the lack of Irish martyrs, the Irish church said that White Martyrdom could be achieved by leaving Ireland and founding monasteries in desolate places). Also examined are early conflicts between the Irish and Roman churches, Brendan the Navigator, and the perigrini (large numbers of Irish pilgrims in Europe from the sixth century on).

Chapter eight looked at the growing role of monasteries in the flowering of Irish arts and crafts (examples include the _Book of Kells_ and the ninth century High Crosses, sometimes called Celtic crosses, freestanding, up to 20 feet in height stone crosses with the distinctive ringed cross head and elaborate and apparently painted carvings upon them) and also the Irish political situation; the hundreds of petty kings (many were called taoiseach or chieftains), Irish succession laws (not always the eldest son, but rather decided upon by a dail or discussion group), and the wars between the monastic city-states.

Chapter nine looked at the first Viking raids in the late 8th century and the establishment of Viking fortified camps called longphorts, many of which later became Irish cities (the most important would be Dublin, which comes from Dubh Linn, or Black Pool, a natural harbor favored by the Vikings).

Chapter ten examined the history of the Vikings in Ireland, how "Vikings were as likely to use Irish allies in their own wars as the Irish were to have Viking allies," and how Viking towns became real engines of economic growth (and also by the way Christianized; later myths would portray all Vikings as pagan).

Chapter eleven chronicled the life and times of tenth century Brian Boru, "Emperor of the Irish," the only Irish high-king to have any real power.

The final chapter looked at the conflict between Tara, long the seat of traditional Irish power and prestige, and Dublin, growing in wealth and power, the lasting Viking legacy in Ireland (they introduced coins, even the stirrup and spur), the massive reforms imposed on the Irish church by Rome in the twelfth century, and Dermot MacMurrough, the deposed Irish king who was partly responsible for the Norman English invasion.

[Robby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep in mind this is a companion to a PBS TV series. For this reason, many of the scholarly citations are done in the form of interview, and there is perhaps too much emphasis on the modern-day state of locations as well as historical re-enactments. At the same time, while the book features many black-and-white photographs, it is a bit less than one would expect for a TV companion, and the photos do not always line up well with what is being emphasized in the text. I would also have preferred more useful charts, diagrams, and maps.

Still, if you are just looking for some much-needed context for understanding ancient Irish artifacts and sites you are likely to encounter on a trip to the country, this book is fine. It does a great job of conveying much of the social history, both in Celtic Ireland and in the early monasteries. When it comes to political history, it tends to read a bit dull. Some six thousand years of history, of course, is a bit difficult to cover in a single thin volume; I would be interested to see a version of this that is divided into a book on Pre-Christian times and a second book covering the introduction of Christianity to the island up to the invasion of the English.

[Ashley Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite nonfiction book I've read in years. It's a beautiful, entertaining, informative timeline of early Irish history.

I particularly love how we will learn about something... say Tuam - the hill of Maeve. Or maybe the site of the coronation of Brian Boru. Then we flash forward to the author's travels through the same area, where he talks about the purity and mystique of those locations, even today. What they might have meant to the denizens of yore. It's deeply compelling.

Even though ancient Ireland has less written background than sixth-century forward, following the adoption of written language and history in the margins of Christian copy... both time periods are treated with equal scholarship and import. Myths are introduced, given their time to air, then a more historical bent extrapolates as to what those myths might mean given the historical context of the time. Motifs like Brehon law, the high kingship of Ireland, and the Norman invaders, are brought up and revisited - because they matter. The author wouldn't have talked to you about them earlier if not.

A tremendous book, with introduction and payoff. I want to buy my own copy at some point!

[M.G. Meaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot we don't know about the Irish, and many of the accepted "truths" - origin tales of invasions by Gaels (aka Gauls) from central Europe (France) or Spain - apparently aren't true. There's no archeological evidence to support an invasion theory. Scholars now suggest some small groups of Gaels, influential ones, may have settled and brought the language, which eventually spread to the rest of the population. And the famous Gaelic design style also may have been imported, adapted and mastered by Irish makers of jewelry, etc. So, the book says.
But there really were druids, and they and poets were highly revered. Still are, at least the poets.

It's a good backgrounder on the eras from the first arrivals around 8000 B.C., through the construction of Stonehenge-like monuments and tombs (3500-2000 BC), the Viking raids and settlements (they founded Dublin around 840 AD), and battles to be high king of Ireland, 800s-1160s. Those battles eventually brought in the English invaders when one king wanna-be asked them for help. They came and didn't leave.

[Mackenzie]

A disappointing lack of faerielore but lots about the Christian and Viking influences. There was a time when the Irish church was so influential that Western Christianity almost became Irish instead of Roman, including Irish-speaking, noncelibate, and decentralized, abbot-controlled leadership. Only by the grace of King Oswy at Whitby, fearing St. Peter at the pearly gates, did the Latin church win.

Someone write an alternative history novel of the western church under Irish dominance, please.

The section on scribes was also very informative. There is no recorded history pre-Christianization, and what we know today as an Irish identity is mostly fictitious and contrived by 19th-c. writers, based on written records from centuries (even millennia) after alleged events.

Loved the stuff about tree rings, too, how they (compared with samples across the globe) tell of worldwide calamities. Was it volcanic activity or cometary influence? We don't know but the questions are almost as alluring as those faeries McCaffrey never mentions.

[Vainvt · Rating 3 out of 5]

As preparation for a trip to Ireland, I read this wonderful book and enjoyed it tremendously. I am fascinated with ancient history and with the fact that archaeologists can provide information about times before there was a written language. I loved reading about how ancient people lived in Ireland, how different cultures came to or invaded the island, and how natural disasters caused fundamental changes in the way people organized themselves.
Carmel McCaffrey does a wonderful job of connecting events with geography so the reader can understand how social structures formed and changed. The span from 8000 B.C. through 1171 A.C. provides an understanding of Irish culture before the English ruled the country.

[Max Nemtsov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Хороший поп-очерк по истории Ирландии до начала известного периода, прекрасный телевизионный текст — видеоряда, правда, ему, конечно очень не хватает, но мы над этим работаем.
И реплика в сторону, как обычно: насколько все же уебищна, как становится окончательно ясно (не то чтоб это было непонятно и раньше, но тут как-то поражает с особой силой), была система преподавания истории в наших замечательных советских школах, с этой ее схоластикой классового подхода и ярлыками «исторического материализма», не имеющими отношения совершенно ни к чему. В очередной раз — не-забудем-не-простим. Вбитое в голову в 5-6 классах очень мешает понимать историю, давно пора переучиваться.

[Nancy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the companion book to the PBS series, which I have yet to watch but am looking forward to viewing. The authors (actually written by Carmel McCaffrey and Leo Eaton) have given us more than straight history, although that is fascinating enough by itself. They travel with scholars, poets, and storytellers to the actual locations, sometimes in very out-of-the-way places, where the history actually happened. I found the archaeological research especially fascinating, as sparse as it is. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable journey from 9000 BC to 1167 AD.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and informative read about Ireland, from Neolithic times to the Norman conquest. Some of the negatives: it could have done with a bit more serious analysis, it fell into the trap of repeating some common but dodgy tropes (dark ages being dark etc), romanticising some events, and having too many repetitive passages and distracting railings against modern day tourists. Nevertheless, this was overall a good and very readable introduction to this period of Irish history, culture and religion. I did not see the companion TV series.

[Mturner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history

I read this in preparation for a vacation in Ireland. It's not a page turner but it is very interesting and gave great context to what I saw in my visit. Ireland is deeply rich in culture and heritage, and this book gave me a lot of color during my visit. Still, you really have to be there to wrap your head around the megalithic tomb at Newgrange and the impact of the Vikings on Dublin. Definitely worth the read if you're a history geek.

[Otger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice overview on the 'fact' and fiction in Irish legend. I can't help being fascinated every time I read about Irish monks. Basically they can often be seen as like an institution of agrarian warrior-druids that now only fw one God insteads of multiple. It is one of many examples how paganism never really disappeared but just lived on the earliest forms of Christianity, cementing itself as a crucial element in it and through that becoming something non-disposible.

[Kathleen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible work and research put into this book. Finished it up right after beginning an archaeology course in Irish Studies and I feel. Whole.
Walking in this place and trying to imagine the Neolithic people who lived here, the tomb builders, of portal tombs, passage tombs…walking in the same steps thousands of years ago. Did they feel the same about the way the air smells? How the wind feels? All the millions of shades of green that somehow exist here? It is really quite something.

[Bill Yake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for an introduction to the deep history of Ireland and this seems to have been a good choice. The story is told in an engaging and even-handed way -- with a lot of quirky details. That's what I was looking for -- now I can pursue special areas of interest with the outlines having already been provided.

[Elicia Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As far as archaeological accounts go, this was pretty enjoyable to read! But that also means it wasn’t a very scholarly account. Listening to a podcasts about the supernatural/paranormal and the Tuatha de Denann makes for a much more interesting reading experience. Maybe some of those myths the author worked so hard to clarify as debunked have some truth to them. 😁

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an interesting history and it pared well with the book 'How the Irish Saved Civilization'. I enjoyed reading it and it helped me to realize the bias against the Irish in America I've seen on TV has a long history.

[Larry R Naylor]

My inquisitive mind

I'm impressed with how much information this book had. Being of Irish decent mainly of O'CONNOR family members wants me to get more details about my roots.Can't wait until the next chapter in my discovery.Thank you so much

[Chris Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic work going through all of Irish history from the Paleolithic times to the coming of the English. It describes the high-kings, the Irish Church, Celtic culture and religion, Brian Boru, invasion, and much more.

[BRT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed and was enlightened by this deeply researched book about ancient Ireland. Covers social, political, religious, art, archaeology, and so much more. Most excellent!

[Sharon Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witty and superlative, a delight.

[Chip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and surprising.