The story of one of Ireland's greatest monastic settlements is brought to life in a manner never before revealed, in a newly re-released DVD. The Kells Story: an Irish Monastery in a Time of Trouble delves deep into the monastic period of Irish history - a time when Ireland earned its reputation as 'the land of saints and scholars', helping to lift Europe out of the period that followed the decline of the Roman Empire, which is often referred to as Europe?s Dark Ages.
During this period, Irish monks excelled in the study of Latin and Christian theology. Many scholars from other parts of Europe came to visit these Irish monasteries. The legacy of that period has been preserved, right down to today, in the form of illuminated manuscripts (e.g. The Book of Kells), metalwork (the Ardagh Chalice) and sculpture (the High Crosses, many of which date from at least 8th century and several of which can be found, within the town of Kells).
Narrated by several local historians, this documentary traces the early history of Kells: from its foundation around 804 AD by monks fleeing Colmcille's monastery in Iona, to escape Viking attacks, through its survival over a period of more than 600 years that followed. Contributors include Aidan Wall, Joseph Rourke, Rev Gerard Rice, William Carr.
The spirit of the ancient site of Kells, in the Irish county of Meath, is captured and its rich cultural legacy explored: from the world famous Books of Kells, the architecture and archaeological relics that dominate the landscape of the town right down to the present time, including the personalities who were at the centre of monastic life in Ireland.
The video is divided into nine sections:
1. The Early History of Kells including the earliest written records, which date back to 804 AD, as well as that which has been handed down by oral tradition.
2. The Foundation of the Monastery at Kells, by monks from St Colmcille's monastery in Iona, who were fleeing Viking pi
The Kells Story: an Irish Monastery in a Time of Trouble is a 1991 special interest movie with a runtime of 25 minutes.
