Sacred sites and the modern national identity of Ireland

The focus of this work is on the impact of early Christian monastic sites and symbols to the evolution of a modern national identity in Ireland through the iconography and socio-physiological link developing in Leinster, Ireland between the fifth and thirteenth centuries. This study illustrates how specific locations and their function within the larger religious communities influenced generations and shaped Irish identity. This study is important because the study and preservation of the monastic locations, religious monuments, and sacred texts for future generations insures a continued sense of collective identity, a critical element to understanding socio-cultural development.;Understanding this national iconography starts with a general overview of the sites, structures and individuals integral to the first conversion of Pagan Ireland in the fifth and sixth centuries, namely Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid, Saint Columba and their disciples. Later champions of social and religious tolerance, such as civil rights activist Daniel O'Connell and celebrated historian George Petrie, advocated the revitalization of Irish pride by using early medieval monastic symbolism. Modest chapels and grand cathedrals became rallying grounds for an emerging communal awareness as late Victorian society gave way to new ideas of national, rather than familial, identities'.;Beyond the structures of worship, high cross, round tower, distinctively Celtic illuminated manuscripts, and even the native Gaelic language became symbols of Irish freedom and defiance in the face of invasion, persecution, and revolution through centuries of struggle for home rule and religious acceptance.;Early medieval Christianity in Ireland evolved into a version Catholicism unlike any other in the world as the earliest missionaries and monks synthesized Pagan stories and imagery into their own faith to ease conversions. This tactic, first documented by Saint Patrick in his mission to the High King of Ireland, developed into the Celtic Church, wholly and uniquely Irish in its makeup.;Not until the Anglo-Norman invasion of 1177 by Henry II of England, did Irish clergy lose their great sway and control over both the spiritual and political worlds. After the twelfth century, native Irish monks were systematically replaced with English, as were the nobility, in an effort to Anglicize the island.;After centuries of struggle the Irish finally won their freedom and the liberty of expression. As a result, the nation made a concentrated effort, starting in the early twentieth century, to preserve and celebrate their native heritage using the indelible symbols of Christianity distinct to Ireland.;Now, as a modern nation with a booming economy, Ireland is embracing their heritage and working hard to preserve the sites and symbols of early monasticism so vital to the national identity. The environment of continuing religious stresses between the North and South of the island creates cultural and political challenges for preservationist, museums' staff, and heritage offices to present the national history as accurately and unbiased as possible. Ireland's pride in its monastic history and national iconographic identity is a model for the world and their efforts in perservation and interpretation teach a great deal about the indelible spirit of the Irish people.