The 12th century saw the continuation of Ireland's highly formalized bardic poetry tradition, with trained poets (filid) composing in strict syllabic meters for aristocratic patrons. Despite the Norman invasion beginning in 1169, Gaelic literary culture persisted, maintaining ancient conventions while gradually incorporating new influences from continental European literature.

Irish bardic poetry preserved ancient Celtic mythological material and historical traditions through rigorous oral and written transmission, maintaining continuity with pre-Christian literary culture. The filid's elevated social status and specialized training created a professional poetic class that influenced later Welsh and Scottish Gaelic traditions. Bardic poetry's complex internal rhyme and alliteration patterns represented sophisticated technical achievements that influenced modernist poets seeking alternatives to end-rhyme.