Gall-Goidel- Shaping Irish Culture
The meaning of Gall-Goidel is "foreign Gaels" but is always used to signify foreign Gaels with a Norse identity.
The Norse-Gaels would identify themselves as Austmen which means East-men. This name is known in the Dublin area of Oxmantown which is translated homestead of the Norsemen.
The Gall-Goidel originated in the Viking Colonies of Ireland and Scotland. They were the descendants of intermarriage between Norse immigrants and the Gaels. Many Norse would take on Gaelic customs and the Gaelic language. They would eventually leave their Norse gods behind and take up Christianity. They would dominate the area of the North sea.
Lambay Ireland is the first recorded area of the Norse coming to the island when they raided this location in 795. The Norse would continue to raid areas in Ireland and establish settlements including Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, and Limerick.
The Gall-Goidel or Austmen were considered a separate group from the Irish and the English and were given privileges and rights that the Irish did not have. Many were rural merchants who pursued fishing, crafts, and cattle raising.
Many battle tactics of the Vikings would be adopted and become part of Irish warfare in generations to come. A battle ready class of Celtic warriors known as gallowclass came from the Norse Gaels.
It is evident that the Norse invasion of Ireland and eventually intermarriage with the Gaels has had a significant influence on shaping the culture of Ireland today.
Being someone who has Irish and Norse ancestry, this Era of the Gall-Goidel is very intriguing to me and I want to learn more about it. I have not been able to come across much detailed information on the Gall-Goidel.
One day I would love to journey there to experience this culture myself.
I hope this helps us learn a little bit about the history of the Gall-Goidel.
Blessings!
By Michael Walters
The Ancestor's Fire
Writing the voices of the unheard
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