Irish Monasticism | Irish Architecture | Briefing | Professor Roger Stalley

Early Architecture in Irreland & Romanesque Architecture in England

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Irish Monasticism | Irish Architecture in the Early Middle Ages: c. 500–1200 AD
Professor Roger Stalley

Ireland was converted to the Christian faith in the 5th and 6th century. The Roman diocesan system was supplanted by a network of monasteries, which focussed on a spiritual and scholarly life. As a result of this development, most Irish architecture is associated with monastic communities.

Ideals and characteristics of Irish monasticism are not necessarily in conformity with the traditional picture of an austere 'Celtic Christianity.' By the 8th century, the wealth of the church and the growing importance of secular patronage led to the production of much fine metalwork and manuscript illumination, though architectural traditions apparently remained straightforward.

By the 9th and 10th century the growth in the size of the monasteries had increased to the extent that they were sometimes described as 'cities'. With their numerous houses, workshops, streets and public spaces, they differed enormously in appearance from the ascetic communities of an earlier age. But the most radical changes in the period took place in the 12th century, when traditional building practices were transformed by the introduction of the Romanesque style from abroad.