This work concentrates on the rich architectural heritage of both early and late medieval Ireland, preceded by an introduction on the groundwork laid by the Celts. The legacy of this period - manuscripts and metalwork, churches and crosses - have been photographed by O'Brien for this book.

Part 1 Prehistoric: Newgrange; dolmens; wedge tombs; stone circles; Hill of Tara. Part 2 400-1100: ogham stones; Irish manuscripts in St. Gall; Viking brooches; Glendalough; Kells; high crosses; round towers. Part 3 11th and 12th centuries: Romanesque churches, including Rock of Cashel, Tuam Cathedral, Clonfert Cathedral. Part 4 Late medieval Ireland: Norman mottes and castles, including Carrickfergus, Dublin Castle, Kilkenny; Norman churches, including Kildare Cathedral; Gothic cathedrals and parish churches, including Christ Church, St Patrick's; the Cistercians, Augustinians, Benedictines and Dominicans. Part 5 Later medieval Ireland 1400-1600: late medieval castles and tower houses, including Bunratty, Doe Castle; the Church in Ireland 1400-1600; Franciscans; craftmanship in late medieval Ireland. Part 6 17th century: Tudor, Stuart and Plantation architecture.