A Gateway to Authentic Irish Heritage and Spirituality
I’ve been a student of the Irish Pagan School, founded by Lora O’Brien MA and Jon O’Sullivan, since it came online in 2017. It stands as a beacon of authentic Irish culture and spirituality, offering a unique pathway for those drawn to the ancient wisdom and vibrant traditions of Ireland.
Situated in County Waterford, Ireland, this online institution is not just a school but a community hub, dedicated to providing scholarly yet down-to-earth teachings on a wide range of topics pertinent to Irish history, heritage, folklore, and mythology.
Authenticity and Scholarship at Its Core
At the forefront of the school’s ethos is a commitment to real information and scholarly sources. Lora O’Brien, with a Masters in Irish History, and Jon O’Sullivan, renowned for his depth of knowledge in Irish lore, ensure that each course and content piece reflects their extensive expertise.
They draw from the works of respected scholars like Jaqueline Borsje, David Stifter, Daithí Ó hÓgáin, John Waddell, Andrew Sneddon, and Nora White, guaranteeing that the teachings are not only engaging but academically sound.
A Rich Tapestry of Learning
The school offers an array of courses and content that span from the Tuatha Dé Danann and Irish mythology to the Ogham alphabet, and from Irish Gods and Goddesses to the practices of Folk Magic and Irish Witchcraft.
The teachings delve into the mysteries of the Mórrígan, the wisdom of the Dagda, and much more, all while maintaining a connection to contemporary Irish Paganism and spiritual practices.
Community and Global Outreach
While deeply rooted in Ireland, the Irish Pagan School extends its reach globally, welcoming students and community members who may or may not have Irish ancestral heritage but who share a love and affinity for Ireland.
The school serves as a cultural bridge, bringing the richness of Irish tradition and spiritual practice to a worldwide audience through carefully moderated and curated online spaces and community groups.
They are content producing machines too! There is a YouTube channel, a Podcast, a Blog, and various social media channels including a TikTok which I’m loving!
Approachable and Scholarly
Lora and Jon are known for their friendly and accessible teaching style. Though they model very healthy boundaries with regard to entitlement and cultural appropriation, it is clear that they also believe in making the depth of Irish scholarship and contemporary spirituality available to all, breaking down complex concepts into understandable and enjoyable lessons.
This approachability does not compromise the scholarly nature of the content, however, as every piece of information – from every native teacher at the school – is rigorously researched and presented with academic integrity.
This Review In Summary
The Irish Pagan School is more than just an educational institution; it’s a vibrant community dedicated to preserving, exploring, and teaching the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of Ireland.
With a focus on authenticity, scholarship, and an inclusive community spirit, it offers a unique and deeply enriching experience for anyone looking to connect with the true essence of Irish heritage and paganism.
(I have chosen not to publish my name with this review, due to personal privacy concerns, but if you have any doubts about the authenticity you can check for the reviews on their Facebook Page, or just ask around in groups or at events to find a current student!)
My name is Sean Constantinus Joseph Paudraic-Fiacha Blaakman Bourke
My family is out of Roscrea Tipperary [see the sick movie Philomena thats my family lock people away in the basement who do not listen] and my mom was from Eindhoven Netherlands, I have been practicing Ogham divination from Lora’s courses and have met many new pagans. My Ogham are from a witch friend of mine out of England made by hand and blessed.
I have been practicing Irish paganism my whole life expanding on what my dad taught me of the ole country taking me up to the burn and initiating me into an Irish order of truths at a pagan holy site when i was a young man. Through many trials and tribulatijons I became a student of history trying to determine who the people really were before St. Paudraic (my confirmation name after my best childhood friend there in Tir Na Nog where I was raised when I was 6) anyhow I picked up “Religion of the Ancient Celts” after going to the Irish National Museum and seeing the bronze age artifacts of my ancestors. Along with that I picked up a bodrhan and learned to play it but it came with a hole in it cheap quality control from a government museum that was sad. Needless to say I have done many involved rituals as a gaeltacht druid and have changed my religion from Roman Catholic to Catholic Gaeltacht Pagan to protect my religious rights in this country where there is supposed to be freedom of religijon and its a crime to practice your faith just like the penal days in Ireland when the priests were hung on site Catholicism was illegal and the priests held mass in ancient druid coves and caves in secret because practicing cathholocism was a death sentence, but though my faith is strongly rooted in the Tain and the book of Kells, I am lucky to have access here to the University of Rochester restricted stacks and have found books on Irish history dating back to the 17th century that yhou can look at but cannot remove from the university…. this is my basis for my faith: the truth of history stands before us behind us above us below us to our left and to our right and within us, true history defines who we all are as different members of the human race, our planet is a salad bowl not a melting pot.
God bless
Fiacha Cennfinnan is my druids name named after one of my ancestors in ancient ireland. Reincarnation? Seanda Bealach mo Sinsear Slainte: an seann dòighean mo shinnsir mar setanta cù Uladh fhèin
I’d like to learn more about Morrigan, that means a lot to me
All my up to date Morrigan Resources are now here – https://www.morrigan.academy/
Til later my Irish people.