The aim of the present work is to investigate elements of Renaissance culture in Ireland and Sweden through specific case studies and to set these alongside one another to ascertain what similarities and differences existed between the two societies. As yet, no comparative studies between the nature and extent of Renaissance influences on these two countries have been attempted and the findings should thus provide some insight into how they experienced one of the most important and influential periods in modern history. The work focuses on the reception of aspects of the Renaissance with particular reference to the period between the mid-fourteenth century and the seventeenth century.