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Bringing Christianity To Ireland

Although most of Europe was dismissing Christianity the Kings and Nobles of Ireland welcomed the new beliefs and in doing so this helped flourish a Celtic Christian civilization that contributed to the Irish Culture for many years, even today. Samhain, which means summers end, was a belief before the rise of Christianity in Ireland and was a ritual to mark the start of the Gaelic year, but when Christianity began to increase it was changed to Hallowmac or All Saints day, more commonly known today as Halloween.

It is believed that Niall Noigíallach, a High King of Ireland, and the Uí Néill dynasty's were the main factors of Christianity first arriving in Ireland from raiding Britain and Gaul from slaves, mercenaries and merchants which included the now known St Patrick who was sold as a slave to Ireland at the age of sixteen.

St Patrick escaped Ireland 6 years after being kidnapped, he became a priest and then a Bishop. He return to Ireland after having visions to become a Christian missionary and bring Christianity to the people of Ireland.

With St Patrick having a difficult task ahead of him it would also be the start of Roman civilisation coming into Gaelic Ireland through Christianity. Rather than following the state religion Gaelic Ireland decided to make a few changes.

Rather than the Roman episcopate church the Irish church was monastic as there was still no towns. The monasteries would become the focal points of Christian learning. Another point that differed was the subject of divorce which was still allowed under the Celtic Brehan law.

There are many monasteries throughout Ireland one of which is situated in Kells, County Meath that housed the ancient Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript of the four gospels.
As Gaelic Ireland was still rural Irish Christianity took on a hermitic quality. many Christian settlements are in remote areas. Here settlers renounced comfort for a life of self sacrifice and atonement. These places would become the centre point and creation for the land of Saint & Scholars.

After Christianity was brought to Ireland the Irish Church set about re-introducing Christianity to Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire and setup religious settlements in France, and Italy. They spread the gospel to places like Germany and beyond where previously the word Christianity had not been heard.

Today Christianity in Ireland is still popular as an Irish tradition with people practicing their religious beliefs on a weekly basis with even some praying daily.