Early Irish literature is the oldest vernacular literature in Western Europe. The earliest existing examples of the written Irish language are Ogham inscriptions dating from the 4th century. Extant manuscripts do not go back farther than the 8th century.

Early Irish manuscripts are not just texts but works of art in their own right.

Preview	Picture Data	File Info	Comment
	Lichfield Gospels 725-50 Manuscript (Ms. 1), 308 x 235 mm Cathedral Library, Lichfield	889*1200 True Color 226 Kb
	Lichfield Gospels 725-50 Manuscript (Ms. 1), 308 x 235 mm Cathedral Library, Lichfield	800*957 True Color 228 Kb
	Gospel Book c. 750 Manuscript (Cod. Sang. 51), 295 x 225 mm Stiftsbibliothek, Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen	937*1200 True Color 216 Kb
	Gospel Book c. 750 Manuscript (Cod. Sang. 51), 295 x 225 mm Stiftsbibliothek, Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen	900*1240 True Color 204 Kb
	Gospel Book c. 750 Manuscript (Cod. Sang. 51), 295 x 225 mm Stiftsbibliothek, Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen	900*1249 True Color 214 Kb
	Gospel Book c. 750 Manuscript (Cod. Sang. 51), 295 x 225 mm Stiftsbibliothek, Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen	900*1247 True Color 239 Kb
	Gospel Book c. 750 Manuscript (Cod. Sang. 51), 295 x 225 mm Stiftsbibliothek, Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen	900*1257 True Color 246 Kb
	Gospel Book (fragment) 8th century Manuscript (Cod. Sang. 1395), 230 x 185 mm Stiftsbibliothek, Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen	906*1200 True Color 211 Kb
	Plan of the Abbey 820s Manuscript Stiftsbibliothek, Abbey of St. Gall, St. Gallen	848*1200 True Color 169 Kb