Monasticism in Early Ireland

AbstractThe chapter surveys the issues that have occupied scholars of monasticism in early medieval Ireland. Particular attention is given to the concept of ‘Celtic’ monasticism, the role of fifth- and sixth-century continental and British churchmen in the establishment and development of religious life in Ireland, the allegedly ‘monastic’ organization of the early medieval Irish Church, and the supposed decline and revival of asceticism in Irish monasteries. Current areas of research include such themes as fasting, liturgy, learning, monastic women, monastic voyaging, and monastic churches as proto-urban centres. Lastly, the chapter points to possible directions for future investigation, such as more focused treatments of specific monastic houses and their communities, comparative studies of religious sites in Ireland and abroad, and the role of Irish peregrini in the dissemination of monastic ideas and practices to Ireland.