Irish History with Dr Claire Collins

The Landscape of Ireland and the Stories that Shaped it

Ireland has been called both the ‘Emerald Isle’ and the ‘Land of Saints and Scholars’. With its rolling hills, boggy midlands and mild climate, the land and its people have always held a close connection. This course will focus on how the people of Ireland created the idea of a  sacred landscape – an environment steeped in local legend and history – over the spread of centuries of change and upheaval. Beginning with the idea of high kingship and the role of the Hill of Tara, we will explore Irish history from the medieval era up to the Celtic Revival at the start of the 20th Century. For the most part, this course will revolve around the idea of how stories can shape our perception of the environment and how the idea of Ireland as a symbol came to be in light of the arrival of the Vikings and, later, the Normans.

Dr. Claire Collins is currently an independent researcher, having completed her PhD thesis ‘On the Origins and Development of Crom Dubh’ at University College Dublin in 2017. Her research is primarily focused on the Christian treatment of non-Christian aspects of early Irish society and the developing legend of Saint Patrick.

Duration: 10 Weeks

Times: 6:30-8:30pm (Tuesday evenings)

Start: 23rd Jan 2024

Cost: €120