The Book of Ballymote’s 251 folios contain, among many other works, texts such as Lebor Gabála Érenn, Lebor na Cert,  Dindshenchas Érenn,  Banshenchas Érenn, Cóir Anmann, extensive genealogical tracts listing the pedigrees of some of the most prominent Irish population groups and families, lists of saints, biblical texts and adaptations of classical material.

There are many questions that can be asked about this remarkable codex and the society in which it came into being. What was the intent of the scribes and scholars who compiled it? Why were the texts found in the Book of Ballymote so chosen? What sources were used in its compilation?  Why was it so extensively and richly decorated? How does the Book of Ballymote relate to other medieval manuscripts, in particular, the slightly later Great Book of Lecan?  What do we know of the later history of the Book of Ballymote?

These and other questions were explored at this conference at which scholars from institutions in Ireland and the United Kingdom will examine many aspects of this extensive and imposing manuscript.

To listen to the conference papers click here.

Thursday 5 February

1.45pm – Opening remarks

2pm – 2.45pm: ‘The Book of Ballymote: scholars, sources and patrons’ – Ruairí Ó hUiginn

2.45pm – 3.30pm: ‘The Book of Ballymote texts of Middle Irish translations of Latin narratives’ – Uáitéar Mac Gearailt

4pm – 4.45pm: ‘Biblical history in the Book of Ballymote’ – Elizabeth Boyle

4.45pm – 5.30pm: ‘World history and historiography and the Book of Ballymote’ – Máire Ní Mhaonaigh

 

Friday 6 February

9.30am – 10.15am: ‘The Books of Ballymote and Lecan: their structure and contents compared’ – Nollaig Ó Muraíle

10.15am – 11am: ‘The Book of Ballymote: a genealogical treasure trove: range and purpose’ – Donnchadh Ó Corráin

11.30am -12.15pm: ‘Owners and users: the changing contexts of the Book of Ballymote 1500–1750’ – Raymond Gillespie and Bernadette Cunningham

12.15pm – 1pm: ‘The Book of Ballymote and the Irish book’ – Pádraig Ó Macháin

2pm – 2.45pm: ‘The Book of Ballymote and the Grammar of Irish’ – Deborah Hayden

2.45pm – 3.30pm: ‘A manuscript for MacDonagh: reading the illumination in the Book of Ballymote’ – Karen Ralph

4pm – 4.45pm: ‘The palaeography of the Book of Ballymote’ – Elizabeth Duncan

4.45pm: Closing remarks