Much of their work consists of extended genealogies and almost journalistic accounts of the deeds of their lords and ancestors: the Irish bard was not necessarily an inspired poet, but rather a professor of literature and letters, highly trained in the use of a polished literary medium, belonging to a hereditary caste of high prestige in a conservative, aristocratic society, and holding an official position therein by virtue of extensive training and knowledge.
Their approach to official duties was very traditional and drawn from precedent, rather like the roles played by Welsh bards and Viking skalds, with a similar emphasis on complex, often highly alliterative forms of verse.
However, even though many bardic poets were traditional in their approach, there were also some who added personal feelings into their poems and also had the ability to adapt with changing situations although conservative.
In these schools the fundamentals of being a bard were taught and often students would have to compose overnight so as to not be able to write things down, therefore keeping the oral tradition alive.
Filled with sharp dart-like pens Limber tipped and firm, newly trimmed Paper cushioned under my hand Percolating upon the smooth slope The leaf a fine and uniform script A book of verse in ennobling Goidelic.
Grant me the gladsome gyre, loud Brilliant, passionate and polished Rushing in swift frenzy, like a blue edged Bright, sharp-pointed spear In a sheath tightly corded; The cause itself worthy to contain.