Celtic Ireland
In the early stages of the Iron Age period a new culture started to evolve across Europe, the Celt. When the Celts reached Ireland their influence would have a lasting affect for years to follow.
When did the celts arrive in Ireland?
Before the arrival of Christianity in Ireland there was no actual written history so its very unclear exactly when the Celtic culture arrived in Ireland. The first sign of any Celtic influence to reach Ireland dates between 800BC and 400BC but this is often debated.
Did the Celts invade Ireland?
There is a general belief that the Celts invaded Ireland just like the Vikings or Normans did in the Medieval period in Ireland. However, there is no direct evidence to support a large invasion as the arrived in various stages and their migration was a lengthy process.
It was most likely that the influence of the Celts arrived in Ireland from travel and trade with places Britain and Europe. Overtime the spread of the Celtic language, artwork, Iron work, etc would finally find its way into Ireland.
Understanding of Ireland’s Celts
A Celtic scholar T. F. O’Rahilly based a study on influences on the Irish language and a critical analysis of Irish mythology and pseudohistory. This was called O’Rahilly’s historical model and could gives us some understanding of Ireland’s Celts. His study has been the topic of debate for many historians.
O’Rahilly came up with how the Celts may have invaded Ireland in four separate waves:
- The Cruithne or Priteni arrived between 700 – 500 BC
- The Builg or Érainn arrived around 500 BC
- The Laigin, the Domnainn and the Gálioin arrived around 300 BC
- The Goidels or Gael arrived around 100 BC
The first group of Celts that arrived in Ireland approximately 700BC were named Priteni. They settled in parts of Ulster and Leinster but would later be replaced by other tribes.
The second arrival wave was the Bolgic’s who arrived around 500BC and would take control of nearly half of Ireland. Four tribes of the Bolgic’s included:
- The Uluti who took control over the northern part of Ireland
- The Darini and Robogdii who settled in the north eastern part of Ireland
- The Iverni who settled in Munster
- The Ebdani who settled in the east
The Laginians who were the 3rd group to arrive, around 300 BC, settled in the west coast, what is known today as the province of Connacht. They had also taken over the Leinster area. It was also around the same time the La Tène culture may have been introduced to Ireland. The La Tène were fierce Celtic warriors with chariots, cavalry and used warrior equipment such as large fighting spears, swords, and shields.
The Goidelic or Gaelic would be the last Celts to arrive in Ireland. These people came in two different groups the Connachta and then the Eóganachta. The Connachta tribe arrived and pushed their way to the Hill of Tara and sacked the Ernean king. They carved a new region between Ulster and Leinster and it became known as Meath (the 5th province). The Eóganachta tribe arrived more quietly than the previous Connachta tribe. The settled in Munster and gradually became more powerful and dominant in the province.
The Celtic culture in Ireland
When the Celts did arrive in Ireland they brought with them a totally different and new culture, languages, art, technology and belief’s. They had introduced using Iron for making tools and weapons but more importantly brought the sense of kingship, kingdoms and power. They divided their lands up with each being ruled by different kings.
They also had a strong sense of honour, especially in battle. To be bold and show courage in a battle gave a Celtic man honour and a high reputation. However, unlike times to come in the future, in this Iron Age it was the aristocracy who fought in battle. Peasants and people of a lower class were not forced to fight or take part in battle, but to stay on their farming plots and act as slaves for their King.
Source: http://www.yourirish.com/history/ancient/iron-age/the-celts
