What you'll learn
- A comprehensive introduction to the Brehon Laws of Early Ireland
Requirements
- Anyone can take this course. While it's recommended that you take the 'Ancient Ireland Culture and Society' and 'Irish Mythology' courses first to gain a solid foundation, it is not essential.
Description
Take a journey into the ancient past and learn all about the ancient Brehons of Ireland and their famous laws.
For thousands of years the people of Ireland lived by a native set of laws known today as ‘Brehon Law’.
This ancient and just system held the fabric of Irish society together.
In this course, you will meet the brehon lawyers and explore the fragments of ancient manuscripts they have left behind for us, gems of wisdom from the ancient past.
Were kings brehons? Were brehons druids and poets, too?
We will learn about the key legal or 'brehon' families and some famous law schools, and learn all about the principles of justice and logic which characterize the brehon laws.
We will take a stroll through wider Irish society and learn how the laws had an impact on other aspects of daily life.
This course is the third in a trilogy of courses designed to give participants a deep and vivid understanding of early Irish society, mythology, and law.
While it is recommended to take the other courses first to give you a solid foundation (See my profile for: 'Ancient Irish Culture and Society' and 'Irish Mythology'), it is not essential before taking this course.
I founded the Brehon Law Academy in 2013 to rekindle and awareness and appreciation for the old laws of ancient Ireland.
Since then I have worked with 100s of students from around the world and you are invited to join us on this journey.
Who this course is for:
- Everyone who has an interest in ancient civilizations, Irish culture and history, and particularly anyone who is curious to learn more about this fascinating chapter of human history.
Course content
- 00:43Brehon Laws Course Syllabus
- Preview08:55
Instructor
![Kevin Flanagan](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 64 64"%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=avatar}
- 4.5 Instructor Rating
- 433 Reviews
- 1,539 Students
- 3 Courses
Hi and thanks for checking out my profile and course!
I'm delighted to have this opportunity to finally make these courses widely available online.
Having presented earlier versions at live events in Ireland, I wanted to make them available for everyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating area of study.
My series of courses cover a wide range of topics relating to Ancient Irish Culture and Society, ranging from its Customs and Social Structures, its advanced legal system of Brehon Laws, to its Mythologies and ancient Legends ripe with heroes, maidens and magic.
With an Academic Background in Law, I was first driven to take up this subject by a desire for greater social justice. My favorite subjects were Jurisprudence and Comparative Law, as they taught me how to view law, justice and society 'outside-the-box'.
I obtained my Masters in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics in 2019, and I bring my knowledge of these disciplines to the topics I discuss, adding my own unique flair and perspective.
Earlier academic experience includes basic certificate levels in: History, Classical Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, and Literature.
I was inspired when, in 2009, I first learned about Ireland's native system of justice. Realizing that it still had many lessons to teach us today, I devoted my attention to learning more about it.
During my studies I completed a thesis arguing for reform of the prison system based on the principles derived from Ireland's laws and customs. In 2012, I presented these views at Trinity College Dublin's Law Colloquium, in addition to being awarded 'Best Academic Performance' for that year. In 2013, I was a guest speaker of the first Conference on Early Irish Law at Maynooth University, Kildare, and earlier this year I gave a presentation at the traditional Béaltaine Fire Festival (May 2015).
Since graduating with my Degree in 2013 I have continued and broadened my research into Irish cultural heritage and the courses on offer are developed to guide you through step-by-step logical progression so that you get a really good grasp of all the topics covered.
I invite you to check out my courses and if you have any questions please get in touch.
Is mise le meas (I am with respect),
Kevin Flanagan.