“Their idioms go back 1,600 years? “
Christianity is 2,000 years old, so why the surprise at 1,600 year old Celtic ways? Or even longer, a 4,000+ year old Jewish history?
There has been a resurgence of Celtic ways. I know people going back to “the old country” and learning Celtic history, language, and customs. I had a friend go back to Ireland for his wedding. The entire thing was Celtic. The Irish hold on Christianity is weak at best outside the Catholic areas. They have not lost their heritage of history. It is still alive and has had a resurgence.
FAITH and begora.
"Quare."
"Happy out."
"Put the heart crossways" in someone.
http://www.irishcentral.com/culture/travel/35-irish-sayings-and-phrases-you-need-to-learn-before-you-visit-221197271-237785021.html#