Dennis Sommers

A History of the Irish People: Presented in Ten Lectures Dennis Sommers

The Celts, The Vikings, The Normans, The mythical gods, The English, and The Popes have all had an interesting influence upon the history of this very unique island we now call Ireland. As you walk among the ruins of literally hundreds of ancient monasteries, you can feel the historical and spiritual presence of great Saints and Scholars. Many of these monasteries such as Clonmacnoise, Armagh, and Glendalough were in their time among the world leaders of scholastic, spiritual, and social endeavors, with each housing thousands of monks and teachers. As you wander among the hundreds of abandoned castles you can sense the presence of Medieval Kings and Warriors; and, a turbulent past that has dramatically influenced Irish history, and still influences Irish life to this very day, as we shall see. Both of these eras and their monuments, as well as the many elaborate remaining settlements and cemetaries of the various Neolithic peoples (aligned to precise astronomical projections 10,000 years ago), force us to realize there is a substantial amount of research and knowledge yet to be secured regarding this complex and fascinating island. I sincerely hope you enjoy this presentation and find interest in the project!