Clonfert, Ireland — 553
Saint Brendan flies up into the sky
Another early instance of what would be called “abduction” today took place when “Brennain of Birra was seen ascending in a chariot into the sky this year.” This refers to Saint Brendan (“Breanainn”) of Clonfert (ca. 484 - ca. 578), an early Irish monastic saint sometimes believed to have sailed to America.
Source: The Annals of the Four Masters, historical chronicles compiled in the 17th century by four friars of the Abbey of Donegal in Bundrowes, near Bundoran. They are also known as The Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland. Case: W473