A Brief Overview of Christian History in Ireland

One of the most important aspects of Ireland’s historic side is its close ties with Christian history and how the religion took eventual hold of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Many people exploring Ireland are interested in learning about Christian history there and how it relates to their personal lives and the country’s history.

Keep reading to learn all about how Christianity spread across Ireland.

Pre-Christianity Ireland

Pre-Christianity Ireland was predominantly pagan. It remained that way up until 432 AD when Saint Patrick arrived in the country. The pagan Ireland had its own rituals which were widely endorsed by the High Kings.

Saint Patrick’s Arrival

Saint Patrick is believed to have been born in England but he was captured, brought to Ireland, and sold as a slave when he was about 16 years old. After years in servitude, he escaped the country. It was only after he was back with his family that he started seeing dreams of pagan cries from Ireland, calling him to them.

He thought it was God who wanted to him to go back to Ireland and so he joined the monastery of St Martin of Tours. He was subsequently made a bishop in Rome after which he was sent to Ireland by Pope Celestine in 432 AD as a missionary. This is when Saint Patrick openly defied paganism and lit the ceremonious Paschal fire on the hill of Slane.

Seeing his courage, the High King allowed him to continue his missionary work. During his time there, St Patrick made an estimated of 365 churches across the country. He also consecrated hundreds of bishops and established convents and schools that spread the word of Christianity.

Irish Missionaries

Because of its secluded nature, Ireland quickly became an excellent place for Christian scholars across the world to learn in isolation. It was during this time that the historic treasures like the Book of Kells, Ardagh Chalice, and carved stone crosses were also developed. This led to a whole new renewal of learning in Christianity and helped the religion grow deep in the country’s roots.

Modern Day Christianity  

Currently, the Catholic Church is dominant across Ireland. There’s presence of other sects as well that add to the pluralistic nature of the religion. Here are some sects that are found in the country:

• Protestantism (Further split into Presbyterianism, Anglicism, and Celtic Christianity)
• Eastern Orthodoxy
• Oriental Orthodoxy

Want to Explore Christian History in Ireland? My Ireland Family Heritage Can Help

Do you want to explore the Christian history in Ireland? My Ireland Family Heritage has Ireland Failte-approved tour guides who provide historic, cultural, and ancestry tours of the country. We will take you to all the major Irish landmarks in Christian history such as Kells, Hill of Slane, and more, while teaching you all about their significance.

If you want to trace your Irish roots you can also hire our qualified researchers to do your ancestry research and plan customised genealogy tours for you. Our one-day family heritage tours and Irish ancestry and genealogy tours are an excellent choice for you if you’re looking to connect with your Irish heritage.

Contact us now to learn all about our services and book a tour with us today