The Faddan Mor Psalter: Ireland’s Remarkable Biblical Treasure
Discovered in 2006 in a Tipperary bog, the Faddan Mor Psalter is a 1,200-year-old Irish psalm book from the early Christian period (c. 800 AD). This stunningly preserved manuscript-written on vellum and housed in a leather cover-offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual and artistic world of medieval Irish monasticism.
Why It Matters:
- Miraculous Survival: Unlike most fragile manuscripts, it endured centuries buried in peat, which partially tanned its pages.
- Cultural Bridge: Its blend of Irish, Roman, and Coptic Christian influences reflects Ireland’s role as a hub of European learning.
- Artistic Wonder: Decorated with intricate Celtic designs, it mirrors the fame of the Book of Kells but with unique earthy charm.
Now carefully conserved at the National Museum of Ireland, the Psalter symbolizes Ireland’s “Land of Saints and Scholars” legacy—a tangible link between faith, history, and national identity.
