ABSTRACT
The hermit ideal gained prominence in the early medieval Irish church in presenting a particular dynamic and active expression within Irish monasticism that was eminently suited to the temperate and rugged coastlines of Atlantic Ireland. This chapter will discuss the archaeological evidence for Irish hermitages from the 5th century onwards setting eremitic practice within the context of both early Irish Christianity and pre-Christian ritual landscapes. Irish missionaries were also behind the establishment of hermitages and eremitic communities in early medieval Britain, particularly western Scotland, and consequently this chapter will provide a general introduction to the context for early Irish-influenced eremitism in early medieval Britain.
