French Turkeys and Roof-Holes: What Words Reveal – Medieval Ireland and the Outside World

This event is part of Dublin Book Festival's schools' programme. Age 14+ (3rd and 4th year), Adults. If you wish to book, please contact the Festival at info@dublinbookfestival.com. 

Why is turkey referred to in Irish as a French hen? Can the various words for castle be mapped onto the different types of monument that remain part of the Irish landscape today? This workshop will look at how words reveal the many and varied links Ireland had with Britain and Europe in the medieval period. Máire Ní Mhaonaigh and Sharon Arbuthnot will present from A History of Ireland in 100 Words, based on the electronic Dictionary of medieval Irish, as well as school resources developed at the University of Cambridge in conjunction with eDIL. It will be of interest to all those who touch upon the theme of cultures in contact or Ireland’s past more generally in the classroom setting, as well as those wishing to pursue projects on related themes.

Find out more about A history of Ireland in 100 words.