Transcript of the Annals of Innisfallen

This material is held atUniversity of Manchester Library

  • Reference
    • GB 133 Eng MS 478
  • Alternative Id.
      GB 133 Irish MS 11
  • Dates of Creation
    • n.d. [mid 19th Century]
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
    • English
  • Physical Description
    • 290 x 231 mm. 1 volume (i + 133 + i folios); Binding: full-bound in morocco over boards. Condition: spine cover decayed and partially missing.

Scope and Content

Transcription of the Annals of Innisfallen from the years 250 to 1315 A.D. On folio 2b is written: 'This volume purchased at the sale of G. Petrie, Esq., L.L.D. It is in the early handwriting of the late J. O'Donovan, L.L.D. and is extremely valuable. D.H.K. May 1866'.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Annals of Innisfallen were compiled by scholars of the monastery of Innisfallen island in the lower Lake of Killarney. Written in Irish mixed with Latin, the work was a history of the world to the time of St Patrick and from then on was a chronicle concentrating mainly on Irish affairs. The composition is generally ascribed to the year 1092, but it has been suggested as being composed as late as 1215; in any case the Annals were subsequently continued as a chronicle up to 1318.

Custodial History

Purchased by Denis Henry Kelly at the sale of George Petrie, after his death in 1866. Petrie was a friend and colleague of John O'Donovan.

Location of Originals

The source manuscript of the Annals of Innisfallen is held at the Bodleian Library, Oxford (GB 0161 Rawlinson Manuscript B. 503 ).

Bibliography

Two editions of the Annals of Innisfallen have been published, the first edited by R.I. Best and Eóin Mac Neill (Dublin, 1933) and the second edited and translated by Seàn Mac Airt (Dublin, 1951).