Colmcille 1500 Lecture Series: The many phases of the shrine of the Cathach

This event has ended

Online, Wednesday 10th November

This illustrated talk by Dr Paul Mullarkey will provide a brief survey of eight known book shrines from Ireland that range in date from the early ninth to the mid-sixteenth centuries. These elaborate shrines contained venerated manuscripts and acted as symbols of power, prestige and sanctity. They were often used as insignia of office, battle talismans, for collecting tributes, swearing oaths, endorsing contracts and treaties, curing, cursing, and for funeral, ecclesiastical and inauguration ceremonies. The Shrine of the Cathach is inextricably linked with the manuscript formerly contained within, the Cathach, which was believed to have been written by St Columcille. It was also one of the principal treasures of the O’Donnell’s during the Medieval period. In this talk the focus will be on the decoration, techniques and iconography of this shrine, along with recent investigations that have revealed some details unseen for centuries.


Date:
Wednesday 10th November
Time:
1.00pm
Price:
Free

You might also like...

What's on

Interactive Storytelling Tour

National Gallery of Ireland

Make your Gallery visits more fun and engaging with curious questions and creative storytelling on Thursday July 30th! In this tour we use easy exercises and improv games that explore how we look at, speak about and interact with art in a variety of ways. Join Marise de Grip from Active Social Connections to learn how to have conversations about art, to think outside the box and appreciate different perspectives. Anyone interested in art, creative thinking or public speaking is welcome to attend. No experience is required. Meet your tour guide in our Millennium Wing Information Desk, nea

What's on

Bray Air Display

Bray Seafront

The award-winning and hugely popular #BrayAirDisplay is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 1st August 2026. Celebrating its 19th year in 2026, the festival promises an unforgettable show featuring vintage classics, daring aerobatic acts, and solo pilots. The free, family-friendly event is one of the most popular air shows in Europe and Ireland’s biggest air festival, attracting thousands to the Co. Wicklow seaside town to marvel at amazing aerobatics. The Bray Air Display is also the biggest public free event in Ireland. It draws crowds of 140,000+ and creates the largest m

What's on

Opera in the Open

Wood Quay Amphitheatre

Opera in the Open is an initiative of Dublin City Council that presents live performances of operatic work in the open air in Dublin City Centre. The annual opera season is taking place on 6, 13, 20 & 27 August in the Amphitheatre at the Dublin City Council Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8. Each opera performance is presented in an abridged format, narrated in English, and lasts one hour, fitting perfectly into the lunchtime slot from 1 to 2pm. Attendance is completely free of charge, and all are welcome! The Amphitheatre features a raised stage, seating areas, and grassy verges