Religion, Ritual and Belief: Landscape, Worship and the Seasons in Early Ireland With Dr Patrick Gleeson – including a special book signing event

Step into the sacred world of early Ireland, where the cycles of the seasons shaped not only daily life but the very foundations of power, belief, and community.

In this richly illustrated talk, Dr Patrick Gleeson, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at Queen’s University Belfast, explores how landscape, ritual, and religion intertwined in the minds and practices of early Irish people. From the monumental sites of prehistory to the great royal centres of early medieval kingdoms, seasonal festivals were more than just markers of time—they were key moments in the political and spiritual life of the island.

Discover how these seasonal gatherings structured society, enabled the redistribution of resources, and reinforced the sacred authority of kingship—offering a window into a world where cosmology, kings, and the land itself were bound together in ritual meaning.

Dr Gleeson is a leading expert on early medieval royal landscapes and the relationship between religion, rulership, and governance in first millennium AD Northern Europe. His groundbreaking work at major sites including the Rock of Cashel and Navan Fort earned him the Philip Leverhulme Prize in 2022 for international research excellence.

Join us beforehand for a special book signing of Dr Gleeson’s latest book, Landscapes of Kingship in Early Medieval Ireland AD 400–1150 — a fascinating companion to the themes of the talk. Books are available to purchase on the day at an additional charge.

Event Schedule 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Book Signing: Landscapes of Kingship in Early Medieval Ireland ️ 1:30pm – 3:00pm | Public Talk by Dr Patrick Gleeson ❓ 3:00pm – 3:30pm | Q&A Session

Whether you’re passionate about archaeology, history, or Ireland’s mythic past, this is an event not to be missed.

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Should you have any queries, please email navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

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Talk by Dr. Patrick Gleeson