Ogham script

a vital part of Ireland’s ancient heritage

In the realm of ancient Celtic culture, the intricate stone carvings known as Celtic Calendar Stones hold a significant place. These artifacts, adorned with symbols and inscriptions in Ogham script, offer valuable insights into the history and symbolism of this enigmatic civilization. ¹

The OG(H)AM project

The OG(H)AM project ("Harnessing Digital Technologies to Transform Understanding of Ogham Writing, from the 4th Century to the 21st", 2021-2025) is funded through a UK-Ireland Collaboration in the Digital Humanities Research Grant by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council and the Irish Research Council.²

A Very Short Intro To Ogham

The original Ogham alphabet consists of 20 characters, called feda (singular, fid), divided into four groups of five, known as aicmí (singular, aicme). Later on, five more letters, called the forfeda (‘extra letters’), were added to the system.³

The alphabet is often referred to as Beth-luis-nin, named after three of the letters of the first group, much like how the Greek alphabet begins with Alpha and Beta. 

Each Ogham letter represents both a sound, and there are lists of other associations (including trees or plants). Each letter also holds a set of symbolic poetic meanings, called kennings, which are keys to knowledge known as the Bríatharogaim. 

1. Nick Drew Celtic Calendar Stone Carvings – Ogham Stones Artifacts. Calendar Culture

2. OG(H)AM – Harnessing digital technologies to transform understanding of ogham writing, from the 4th century to the 21st (glasgow.ac.uk)

3. A Very Short Introduction To Ogham. Ogham Academy.