Benedictine Influence in Ireland in the Late Eleventh and Early Twelfth Centuries: A Reflection

This paper concentrates on two aspects of ecclesiastical reform in Ireland: the formation and layout of sedes episcopalis (diocesan centres) and the influence of clerics trained as Benedictines in England and Scotland during the same period. The contribution of the Benedictines declined as the twelfth century progressed and as other orders such as the Cistercians and Augustinians expanded their influence. Finally, the study assesses the possible contribution of continental Irish Benedictine foundations and proposes that literature produced in these monasteries should be read primarily as Benedictine narratives written in the context of continental ecclesiastical and order politics.