Description

A People’s Church presents a comprehensive account of the Diocese of Achonry during its first thousand years, from the arrival of Christianity in early medieval Ireland through the upheavals of the Reformation. Drawing on extensive research from Irish and British archives as well as the Vatican, Liam Swords explores not only the religious history of the diocese but also the lives of the people who lived, worked, and worshipped there.

The book introduces readers to the early Irish saints associated with Achonry, examines the growth of monasteries and parish structures, and explains how the diocese evolved within Ireland’s changing political landscape. Swords also investigates the influence of major historical events—including the Tudor Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, and the policies of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I—on local communities.

Rich in historical detail and supported by original archival research, A People’s Church offers valuable insights into Ireland’s religious, cultural, and social development. It is an essential resource for readers interested in Irish church history, local heritage, and medieval Ireland.