Page 11 - IRISH HISTOEY - CHAPT 1_Neat

A Bare Bones History of Ireland Chap 1

The Mound of the Hostages: is a megalithic 'passage tomb' and is the oldest monument
on the hill of Tara, dating to about 2,500BC. The name "Mound of the Hostages" derives
from the custom of ‘overkings’ like those at Tara retaining important personages from
subject kingdoms to ensure their submission. One of the legendary kings of Tara was
named Niall of the Nine Hostages.

Ancient Tara passage tomb - Mound of the Hostages

Christianity and St Patrick (from 432 AD)

Traditional history does not highlight that St Patrick had a precursor who introduced
Christianity into Ireland. Irish writers that later chronicled the life of St. Patrick state that
St. Palladius preached in Ireland before St. Patrick had arrived, although he was soon
banished by the King of Leinster and had to return to North Britain.

Palladius
Palladius had been ordained by Pope Celestine and was sent as the first bishop to the
Irish believing in Christ. He landed at Hy-Garchon
(where the town of Wicklow now stands) and was
accompanied by four companions; two of which,
Sylvester and Solinus, remained after him in Ireland. His
mission to Ireland was to prove difficult.
Muirchu (who lived two centuries later) recorded in the
Book of Armagh “God hindered him and neither did
those fierce and cruel men receive his doctrine readily,
nor did he himself wish to spend time in a strange land
but returned to him who sent him”.
Stained glass commemoration
Saint Patrick of St Palladius
Patrick was born around the year 400, in Scotland. When
he was sixteen years old he was captured as a slave by the high king of Ireland. He
was sold in Ireland and was taken to the North east of the country to herd sheep.
During his six years of solitude he found a life of prayer and pledged his life to God.
Legend has it that one night, Patrick had a vision that helped him escape from slavery
and find his way home to his family. He studied religion for many years to become a
priest and a missionary but at night he would hear in his dreams the call from the Irish.
They called him to come and free them from paganism, "crying to thee, come hither
and walk with us once more". Finally, Pope Celestine fulfilled Saint Patrick's wish and
ordained him as bishop to preach the word of God to the Celtic People.

11