Early medieval Irish book art is both beautiful and fascinating. It reflects a flourishing monastic culture which played a key role in the cultural development of Europe from the 6th to 9th centuries. Nowhere is this more clearly illustrated than at the Abbey of St.Gall, which was founded by the Irish monk Gallus in 612. The Abbey Library houses the most beautiful collection of early medieval Irish manuscripts in Continental Europe. The beholder of these treasures will find himself standing at the cradle of medieval Europe.