UCC will use high-tech scanning to unlock mysteries in ancient Irish manuscripts

Messages hidden in priceless medieval texts such as The Book of Lismore may be legible for the first time in centuries thanks to donation from philanthropist Brian McCarthy and Fexco

UCC professor of modern Irish Pádraig Ó Macháin with The Book of Lismore. Thanks to a gift from philanthropist Brian McCarthy and Fexco, UCC will use a multi-spectral imaging system to discover messages hidden in such medieval manuscripts. File picture: Clare Keogh

Advanced infra-red technology is set to shed light on obscured writings featured in medieval manuscripts, as part of an exciting new project at University College Cork (UCC).

It follows a significant gift courtesy of philanthropist Brian McCarthy, and the company Fexco, that will go towards the analysis of ancient texts, including the iconic Book of Lismore.