One of Ireland’s most important medieval manuscripts; a chronicle of the medieval history of Ireland, has returned to public display in Ireland and it carries a fascinating connection to Emly, Co. Tipperary.
Nearly 1,000 years old, the Annals of Inisfallen comprise 57 vellum leaves handwritten in Irish and Latin. The manuscript preserves a remarkable account of Irish history, from the legendary Tuatha Dé Danann and the arrival of St Patrick, to Viking raids, kings, poets, warfare and the coming of the Normans.
Scholars believe the manuscript was initially copied at the monastery of Lismore, Co. Waterford, using earlier source material created at the great monastic centres of Emly, Co. Tipperary, and Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly. This connection highlights Emly’s important role as an early centre of religious learning, scholarship and historical record-keeping.
During the 12th century, the manuscript was probably brought to Inisfallen Island in Killarney, where successive scribes continued recording events. Its extraordinary entries include the Viking raids on Skellig Michael in 823, the arrival of a group believed to be Ireland’s first Jewish community in 1079, the great snow of 1047 and the gift of a camel from the King of Scotland to a great-grandson of Brian Boru in 1105.
Now preserved by the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford, the manuscript is being exhibited in Ireland for the first time since 1983.
Recording the Past: The Annals of Inisfallen and the Making of Irish History is on display at the Glucksman, University College Cork, until November 1st, 2026.
For the people of Emly and Co. Tipperary, the exhibition offers a welcome opportunity to recognise the contribution their ancient monastic centre is believed to have made to one of Ireland’s greatest written treasures.
Leave a Reply