Monasticism in Ireland, AD 900-1250

Edel Bhreathnach

“This is an excellent scholarly work that represents a truly impressive synthesis of scholarship on Ireland and Europe combined with substantial original research. It is very ambitious in terms of the lacuna in scholarship that it seeks to address, the complexity of the subject matter and the linguistic challenges associated with the topic. The book shows a great depth of knowledge and understanding of the subject, of the sources and of the various contexts in which it needs to be analysed. Dr Bhreathnach shows a very impressive familiarity with sources from both Ireland and Continental Europe, as well as assured mastery of their interpretation in an informed and nuanced manner. Time and again, she corrects erroneous interpretations, presents synopses of historiographical debates and unresolved historical questions, and draws attention to complicated medieval sources. It is to her credit that Dr Bhreathnach has written this book in a style that is accessible to both students and specialists alike. Another commendable feature of her approach has been her inclusion of contemporary sources throughout. Other particularly welcome features of her exploration of monasticism in Ireland are her excellent positioning of Ireland within the wider context of monasticism in Western Europe and her integration of the narrative of how female religious function within monastic communities. For all of these reasons, this book makes a very important contribution to scholarship and to teaching about this neglected period in Irish History. In many respects, Dr Bhreathnach shifts the narrative of traditional historiography. It is likely to serve as the key work on this subject for decades to come.” (The NUI Selection Panel for the NUI Irish Historical Research Prize 2025)

“Brace yourself: much of what you know about monasticism in medieval Ireland is probably wrong. That is the first lesson of Edel Bhreathnach’s deeply researched and scholarly book, which examines “committed religious communities” (p. 4) of the tenth and later centuries. Bhreathnach contests some cherished historiographical tropes, arguing that monasticism in Ireland was neither unique nor aberrant, but just one of many diverse kinds of monasticism then flourishing across medieval Christendom. Irish monasticism, she argues, was also closer in principles and practice to Christian monasticism elsewhere, including communities following Benedict’s Rule, than previous historians have realised. Bhreathnach divides her book into two broad sections. Her first three chapters provide an excellent introduction to the field for non-specialists and doctoral students and remind the rest of us about evidence we may overlook. She uses the following six chapters for deeper analysis and a search for what she calls the “commonplace monastic ideals” (p. 166) at the core of Irish practice … Readers may quibble with certain points in Bhreathnach’s argument, but none can deny her command of the existing scholarship and her admirable familiarity with the scattered, plentiful, and difficult medieval sources. Every chapter contains diverting mini-arguments about unresolved historical issues or textual problems, along with dense references to the scholarship. I learned much from Bhreathnach’s treatment of pre-modern historians; her investigation of the term sámud and the duties of various participants in Irish monasticism; and her treatment of women’s communities, which she scatters among the chapters. Drop into the chapters and you will find something enlightening on almost every page.” Irish Theological Quarterly, Lisa M. Bitel (May 2025)

"This is a wonderfully erudite work—a word used by all our reviewers—clearly the product of decades of research into and thought about monastic life in Ireland and how it changed over time. It provides a nuanced assessment of the texts we use to learn about this period and of the historiography and a number of useful resources (like the glossary and the introductions to the key sources). We particularly liked the way in which the author interwove material and arguments about female religious throughout each chapter, rather than confining them to a stand alone piece; this showed more effectively the ways in which female religious operated within monastic spaces/communities." The Judges for the ACIS James S. Donnelly Prize for Books on History and Social Sciences 

"Edel Bhreathnach’s Monasticism in Ireland, AD 900-1250 studies, in incredible detail, ‘monasticisms’ and Irish monastic life in an oft-forgotten period of medieval Irish history, drawing from a wide range of sources to paint a vivid and intriguing portrait of what monasticism looked like in Ireland during this period. Beautiful illustrations, specially commissioned for this publication, bring to life the landscape and legacy of the subjects of this study. Monasticism in Ireland, AD 900-1250 advances our knowledge of a previously elusive period in Irish monastic history with incisive clarity." Archaeology Ireland, Winter 2024

‘"The vast and diverse amount of detail means that everyone reading this book will find new insights ... The book is a worthy successor to John Ryan’s work and one which, like his, is likely to become a key reference for at least another three generations." Catherine Swift, Irish Catholic.

"This scholarly work is a valuable contribution to the overall history of monasticism in Ireland." Patsy McGarry, Irish Times, December, 2024

“Although most research on Irish monasticism centres on the early Middle Ages, this book shifts focus to a later period marked by significant changes and increased connections with Europe. It is an essential resource for anyone studying religion in medieval Ireland, while also appealing to scholars of monasticism in the broader medieval context.” Medievalists.net (2025)

“Bhreathnach’s book effectively summarizes and builds on the growing body of research on Irish monasticism, providing a clear, in-depth analysis that will be a point of reference for years to come … Overall, this book provides a clear-headed evaluation of the primary and secondary sources available on monastic life in Ireland in the central Middle Ages ... It provides an effective guidebook to help a new generation of scholars explore Irish monasticism.” Clare Downham, Early Medieval Europe, Vol. 33, Issue 2

"Bhreathnach eschews an exceptionalist approach to the Irish church and builds on recent trends in scholarship, both by summarizing earlier work and adding a rigorous amount of data and examples to conjure with. This book avoids simple stereotypes, highlighting the diversity of information and approaches available for research. It provides an effective guidebook to help a new generation of scholars explore the Irish monasticism." Clare Downham, Early Medieval Europe (2025)