19 (25) Swedish version
	Saint Brendan established the monastery of Ardfert. He was a local, probably born in 484 AD, and he lived for more than 80 years. During his life he established monasteries in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, maybe even the Faeroe Islands. The Irish monks travelled to remote countries and islands so they would in peace and tranquillity find union with God. The most devoted travelled in keel-less boats, made of cowhide stretched over hazel rods. Such a currach, coracle, was so light that it rode high in the water, not influenced by the currents. According to a hand written biography of the saint's life, Saint Brendan travelled in a coracle to the American continent. This would mean that a European actually "explored" America long before the Viking Leif Ericsson or Christopher Columbus. Could this be true? There are geographical descriptions of a place that corresponds with Newfoundland in the hand written biography. The voyage was made once again, under the same conditions, in 1976 - 77. You must make your own judgement.
	First published: Sunday 27th October, 1996. Send a to the author! You may also use this form