We know from our history that the Celts came to Ireland a few hundred years before Christ, from around Austria and Switzerland, the 'La Tene' area. At first these Celts would of course have been pagan, probably worshiping many different Gods.
However, thanks mainly to the efforts of St Patrick, Celtic Ireland became Christian in the Fifth Century AD. The conversion to Christianity sparked off new developments in art and architecture.
The Christian Celts built monasteries all round Ireland. these were famed for their High Crosses and Round Towers. They also produced magnificent works of art to celebrate their religion, including famous pieces like the Ardagh chalice and Book of Kells.
These photographs below show details from a magnificent High Cross in County Meath. The intricate art work shows passages from the Bible , which helped the monks to explain the passages to the many illiterate people of the time.
The Christian Celts produced beautiful works of art to glorify God, such as the Book of Kells (part of the Bible) and Chalices such as the Ardagh Chalice.
To keep these priceless artifacts safe from invaders such as the Vikings, they were stored in Round Towers in the Monasteries. Were a monastery to be attacked, the monks entered the Round Tower with their valuables by using a ladder to access the door. The ladder was then pulled up into the Tower.
You can read more about our famous Celtic Christian heritage here:
http://www.dltk-kids.com/world/celtic/celtic_art.htm
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/cultural-history-of-ireland/celtic-style-christian-art.htm
