Irish Ringforts, Matthew Stout. (Four Courts Press/Group for the Study of Irish Historic Settlement, £19.95) ISBN 1-85182-300-X

This very welcome study by Matthew Stout represents surprisingly the first ever book devoted to the most common field monument of Irish archaeology. During the Early Medieval Period—the Early Christian […]

Europe: A History, Norman Davies, (Oxford University Press, £25). ISBN: 0198201710

Eight years after the fall of the Berlin Wall seems an appropriate time for the arrival of new European histories which attempt to give East and West parity of esteem. […]

Warrior of Wood Quay

DK: Tell us about your background and early interest in history. FXM: I was born in Ballylongford in north Kerry. It was the height of the Civil War and my […]

Celibacy in the Catholic Church: a brief history

One of the most carefully fostered aspects of the image of the Catholic priest is that he is without a wife. Indeed, this image has been built up by the […]

The Problem of Patrick (3:1)

Charlie Doherty Most people if asked about St Patrick would   mention one or more of the following: snakes, slavery, Armagh, Slemish, Saul, Downpatrick, Croaghpatrick and, of course, the shamrock. How […]