26th Mount Haemus Lecture ~ The Fifth Province: Myth and Metaphor in Twentieth Century Ireland

This paper explores the ancient Irish myth of the Fifth Province as described in The Settling of the Manor of Tara, tracing its transformation into a powerful cultural metaphor in twentieth-century Ireland. It argues that the myth’s symbolism — a central unifying force among divisions — was reimagined by thinkers, artists, and politicians to promote dialogue, healing, and postcolonial reflection. Drawing on figures such as Richard Kearney, Seamus Heaney, and Imelda McCarthy, the study shows how the Fifth Province served as a philosophical and creative space during key moments in Irish political and spiritual renewal, including the peace process and the cultural liberalization of the Republic. The paper concludes by considering how this mythic structure offers practical tools for contemporary Druids seeking to balance personal, communal, and ecological harmony.