The proposed seminar will explore the part played by Lismore and its surrounding region along the Blackwater in the story of medieval Irish monasticism, and at other aspects of the subject through the lens of material culture (archaeology, architecture), texts, and possibly music.  The seminar will be based on content from Dr. Edel Bhreathnach’s Monasticism in Ireland AD900–1250  (published Summer 2024). The publication revisits the nature of monasticism in Ireland from its original appearance to the thirteenth century, with a particular focus on the later period when monasticism underwent a great change across Christendom. Ireland contributed greatly to monastic culture but it was also a recipient of waves of influence, and one of the most active monastic centres during this period was Lismore. 

The seminar will involve presentation consisting of 4 or 5 papers with ample time for questions and discussion, and possibly incorporating a History Ireland Hedge School (see examples at https://www.historyireland.com/hedge-schools/). This seminar would be for a general audience, not an academic audience, and its aim would be to communicate recent scholarly work on Irish monasticism in an accessible and informal setting.

Potential speakers: Dr Tomás Ó Carragáin (UCC School of Archaeology), Dr Colmán Ó Clabaigh (Glenstal Abbey), Dr Yvonne McDermott (ATU Humanities Dept. Castlebar), Cormac Bourke (editor Ulster Journal of Archaeology, Belfast), Dr Frank Lawrence (UCD School of Music)

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.