Discovering the Oldest Irish Writing: The Codex Usserianius Primus and Ogham Inscriptions

The oldest known books and writings in Ireland are a fascinating window into the country's rich history. This article delves into the two most significant examples: The Codex Usserianius Primus and the Ogham inscriptions. While other texts might have existed, they have not survived to this day, making these finds particularly significant.

The Codex Usserianius Primus

According to historians, the oldest book in Ireland is the Codex Usserianius Primus or the First Book of Ussher. This incomplete manuscript consists of the four Gospels written on vellum, a material made from animal skins. The Codex is believed to have been created as early as the 5th century, making it much older than the more famous Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells, a masterpiece of Celtic art, dates from around the 9th century. However, the Codex Usserianius Primus predates it by several centuries, providing historians with a more ancient glimpse into early Christian Ireland. While the book is incomplete, the surviving portions continue to fascinate scholars and admirers alike.

Ogham Inscriptions: The Earliest Irish Writing

Before the appearance of the Codex Usserianius Primus, the earliest known writings in Ireland can be traced back to the Ogham inscriptions. These primitive inscriptions, pronounced as 'Oh-um', are carved on various stones scattered across the Irish countryside. Ogham is one of the earliest known writing systems of the Celtic peoples, and it is still studied for its historical and linguistic significance.

One of the best-known examples of Ogham inscriptions is located in Waterville Village in County Kerry. There are three inscriptions just outside the village, etched on stones in a private rear garden. Another example can be found at the entrance of Daniel O'Connell's former home's car park in Derrynane, also in Kerry. These inscriptions provide a tangible link to the early written history of Ireland, offering a glimpse into the daily life and language of early Irish settlers.

Ogham inscriptions are not only found in Ireland but also in Britain and Scotland. They are typically inscribed on rocks and standing stones, and their meaning is encoded in a series of straight lines and notches. Although the exact significance and purpose of these inscriptions remain subjects of scholarly debate, they are considered among the earliest forms of writing in Western Europe.

The Catach

While the Codex Usserianius Primus and Ogham inscriptions represent some of the oldest known writings, some scholars believe that even older texts might have existed. These texts, sometimes referred to as Catach, have yet to be discovered or verified. The Catach are texts that are believed to have existed but did not survive to the present day, making their discovery a subject of ongoing research and speculation.

The search for these lost manuscripts continues, as they could provide invaluable insights into the pre-Christian and early Christian era in Ireland. Despite the ongoing efforts to uncover these texts, the Codex Usserianius Primus and the Ogham inscriptions remain the most significant examples of early writing in Ireland, offering a unique window into the country's historical and cultural heritage.