Manuscripts

Discover Ireland’s early manuscripts, including the Psalter of St Colum Cille (Columba), known as the Cathach, dated c. A.D. 560-600, and Lebor na hUidhre (the Book of the Dun Cow), the oldest extant manuscript completely in Irish, and many more.

Book an appointment Library catalogue

Decorated capital letter with zoomorphic designs and interlacing, with red, orange and green pigments.

Irish Language Manuscripts

The Academy houses over a thousand Irish language manuscripts. These manuscripts contain miscellaneous secular material as well as historical, literary, natural philosophy, genealogical and devotional material.

Manuscripts in Languages Other than Irish

Explore the Library's extensive collection of manuscripts in languages other than Irish.

Manuscripts Collections

Since the founding of the Academy, the Library has received grouped collections of manuscripts. Information on these collections can be found here.