Architecture in the Middle Ages varied across the multiple areas of Europe. Specifically in northern Europe, the Gothic architectural style rose to popularity. Architects focused on the perfection of Gothic cathedral design. In other areas of Europe, such as Italy, the architectural influence derived from classical designs from the ancient areas of the world, such as Greece and Rome. The Normans were one of Europe’s leading factors of Romanesque architecture in the eleventh century. The Romanesque style influenced English church building before the year 1066. The wave of construction followed the Norman Conquest. However, medieval architecture in Ireland was influenced by the Anglo-Norman invasion in the year 1169. This resulted in a unique style distinguished by many around the world.
The settlement in early medieval Ireland, A.D. 400-1100, was one of the richest archeological areas of Europe. Within Ireland, the foundations of many monasteries were Augustinian and Cistercian. The most ambitious buildings that included these styles were Christ Church and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. In terms of homes, the leading style was the ringfort, which is a circular region of the earth surrounded by a ditch and bank. (Fig. 1). In many cases, stones were used. These became known as cashels. Currently in the world, over 40,000 examples remain. Another example of architecture from this period were crannogs, which is derived from the Irish word crann, meaning tree. Crannogs were an island built in the shallow domains of a lake. The infrastructural development within medieval Northern Ireland led to many well-known discoveries and updated construction areas. One of these is the Drumclay crannog, which is an island settlement. Another is the Enniskillen bypass, which improves the connection between the A4 Sligo Road and the A4 Dublin Road, making it easier for travel.
The population inhabiting Ireland during the early Middle Ages impacted architecture tremendously. During the medieval period, the number of individuals rose to over one million. It is estimated that three million people were in Ireland by A.D. 700. The steady population decline after could explain the architecture styles present. There was an increase in human burial and ecclesiastical sites and settlement debris. When architecture is described as ecclesiastical, it relates to the Christian Church and its clergy. Unlike early medieval Northwestern Europe, individuals in Ireland lived in settlement enclosures. The lowest social grades in early Irish society lived in homes like these.
Fig. 1- The Grainan of Aileach, which is a medieval ringfort, remains are seen in County Donegal, Ireland. It sits atop the Greenan Mountain at Inishowen. The ringfort is believed to be founded near the sixth century C.E.
One example of the traditional architectural style of medieval architecture in Ireland is the Rock of Cashel, also known as Cashel of the Kings and St. Patrick’s Rock (Fig. 2). It is located in Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland, which is home to a lot of unique architecture. According to the local legends, it is said that the Rock of Cashel originated in an area called the Devil’s Bit. The legend states that Saint Patrick banished Satan from a cave, resulting in the rock landing in Cashel. It is believed that the first structures built on the site were dated back to the fourth or fifth century A.D. It was not until 1091 that it was given to the church as a bishop’s seat. Around 1127, it was extended by the compact Cormac’s Chapel. As of today, it is the oldest church in monastery complex. The Norman conquest in 1168 sparked the development of the town of Cashel and the importance of the Rock of Cashel as an important religious center. It’s early Romanesque architecture influenced much of Ireland’s architecture to be constructed. It includes many impressive buildings, including a roofless thirteenth century cathedral (Fig. 3), fifteenth century castle, a round tower, a high cross chapel, and the remains of tombstones and ancient buildings built upon a rock plateau. Gothic rose windows and Celtic crosses are also accompanying the archaic area. The views presented by the Rock of Cashel make it one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Ireland.
Fig. 2- The exterior of the Rock of Cashel can be seen sitting upon a bright green hill. The beautifully constructed castle sits, projecting its history upon the surrounding area. The wall around the castle and its additional aspects adds to the aesthetic of the view.
Fig. 3- The interior of The Rock of Cashel’s roofless cathedral can be seen with crafted medieval windows and textures upon the wall. It was built as an extension to the rock in the thirteenth century. Architecture in the Middle Ages changed dramatically throughout the years as each area’s population decreased and increased. As the Gothic period made way to new architectural styles, it is vital to recognize the early variations of architecture and how it impacted the following techniques during construction. The different areas of Europe, specifically Ireland, developed tremendously in terms of architecture and art throughout the years. In medieval Ireland, the architecture is extremely distinguished and many visit archaic spots today to try to learn about the history. Medieval architecture can be seen through the different regions of Ireland, but it is for certain that each has had a major impact on the way that architecture is seen today.
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