Ogham Script is an early medieval language primarily ancient Irish, also call Proto Goidelic. It's the oldest known form of Goidelic languages or what we refer to as Gaelic. The script consists of twenty characters formed by parallel lines on either side of or across a continuous line. Ogham, an ancient Celtic alphabet, represents a unique combination of language, spirituality and nature. Each character relates to a tree or a plant to reinforce the beliefs that trees carried wisdom and hidden messages from the divine. Carvings, traditions and beliefs that date back to 4th century AD and used for more than 500 years.
While Ogham stones can be found in certain parts of Western Britain, most stones can be found in Ireland, specifically Waterford, Kerry and Cork. The largest collection is displayed at the University of Cork (UCC) in the North Wing Stone Corridor of UCC's Main Quadrangle building. This unique collection of carvings illustrates the earliest form of the Irish language; often carved into large standing stones to claim or identify pieces of land.
