Irish monasteries

Irish monasteries were important religious communities established during early Christian Ireland, typically comprising churches, living quarters, libraries, and workshops. They served as centers of worship, learning, and cultural preservation, often attracting scholars, artists, and pilgrims. These monasteries played a crucial role in spreading Christianity and cultivating literacy through scriptoria where monks copied texts. They also contributed to local economies and community life. Examples include Clonmacnoise and Glendalough. These institutions thrived from around the 6th to 12th centuries, shaping Ireland’s spiritual and cultural legacy and remaining influential for centuries.