The Faddan More Psalter: Ireland’s Remarkable Biblical Treasure

Discovered in 2006 in a Tipperary bog, the Faddan More 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. In addition, the Egyptian papyri exterior provokes a question about its origins and Ireland’s links with the Desert Fathers.

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.