The celts had control of Ireland and divided it into small kingdoms called Tuatha. The rulers over these Kingdoms constantly fought over boundaries. There were many saints and leaders of both Irish and Benedictine sects who were responsible for writing, teaching, and copying manuscripts during this time and some were integral in the Mediaeval Monastic movement. One of the early famous Irish Priests was Saint Patrick (389- 461). Saint Patrick was born in Great Britain. He was captured and enslaved by a group of pirates at the age sixteen. He escaped after six years of slavery, and went to France to study the priesthood. In 432 he returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary. The Irish regarded Patrick as their Patron Saint. He was not actually Irish but Anglo-Saxon and was compelled to help and educate the Irish people after his kidnaping. He was responsible for starting the first settlements as when he arrived there were no established cities or towns. Through his efforts Celtic Monasteries such as Clonard (c520) and Clonmacnois (c544) were established along with the first orphanages and first Celtic (Irish) Church. His works were so successful that he came to be known as the one who "found" Ireland all heathen and left it all Christian." Saint Patrick introduced the Roman alphabet and Greek and Latin literature to the Irish. He founded over 300 churches and baptized more than 120,000 people. Due to his efforts and the monastic movement, the Dublin area during this era, was known for being the most civilized in Europe. The first universities were actually monastic schools and gave the Irish access to learning and from c461 until around c750 the Irish were known as saints and doctors. These island people were much more open to teaching and learning than their Continental European counterparts. .
The Irish Monks were also noted for their talent as copyists and scribes with the artistry displayed in the calligraphy and decorating of manuscripts.