Early Irish law, also called
Brehon law, comprised the statutes which governed everyday life in
Early Medieval Ireland. They were partially eclipsed by the
Norman invasion of 1169, but underwent a resurgence in the 13th century and until the 17th century, over the majority of the island, survived into
Early Modern Ireland in parallel with English law. "Early Irish Law" was often, although not universally, referred to within the law texts as "
Fenechas", the law of the
Feni, or the freemen of
Gaelic Ireland mixed with Christian influence and juristic innovation. These secular laws existed in parallel, and occasionally in conflict, with
canon law throughout the
early Christian period.