The complexities of the structure become more understandable when we consider that Irish poetry evolved primarily as an orally transmitted art.
Form, structure, rhythm and rhyme, intonation, and expression all play an essential part of the performance of poets.
The formal production of Dán Direach by trained poets came to an end with the destruction of Irish Gaelic society due to the Plantations of Ireland in the 17th century.
There is some reason to believe that Ireland brought developed forms of rhyme into other European cultures through the influence of the literate monks and foundations created by them across northern Europe.
[citation needed] The development of Dán Direach seems to coincide with the rise of the secular schools in the 12th century.
The Ó Dálaigh family of bards were considered to be the foremost exponents of Dán Direach throughout the later Medieval period.
[2] An eyewitness account "The Action and Pronunciation of the Poems, in the Presence of the Maecenas (Chief), or the principal Person it related to, was perform'd with a great deal of Ceremony, in a Consort of Vocal and Instrumental Musick.
The Bards having first had the Composition from him, got it well by Heart, and now pronounc'd it orderly, keeping even Pace with a Harp, touch'd upon that Occasion; no other musical Instrument being allow'd of for the said Purpose than this alone, as being Masculin, much sweeter, and fuller than any other."
Other notable styles practiced may have been the caoineadh or death lament and the fonn or mantra of repetition.
An domhan ó mhuir go muir Ar son gur chuir fa chomhthaibh - Créad acht cás bróin do bhrosdadh?