Discover how Ireland earned its reputation as an ‘isle of saints and scholars’

From as early as the 6th century, Irish monks were travelling far and wide as missionaries, bringing Christianity and founding monasteries in Anglo-Saxon Britain, Scotland and even on the Continent. In return, overseas students came to be educated at Irish foundations. This is how Ireland came to be known as the ‘land of saints and scholars’.

The enduring legacy, together with the distinctive manuscripts and metalwork, has a distinctly Irish identity. Dig deeper in this next part of our course:

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