Daniel Kirkpatrick

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Bringing together his love for writing and Irish history, this is an author website for Daniel Kirkpatrick. His current writing project is an Irish historical fiction narrative set in the Iron Age when feuding kingdoms vie for High-Kingship.

This site covers all the research behind his writing ranging from historical sites, Irish mythology, ancient communities and practices, to Irish language and book reviews. While Daniel makes no claims to being an expert in these matters, each post will be rooted in a mix of leading academic research, historical texts, and whatever other materials he can get his hands on having visited and photographed many of the locations discussed.

If you’d like to get in touch, please see his Twitter profile here.

“History can either imprison or free us depending on what we choose to see and where we draw our perspective from. By exploring Ireland’s ancient history, an opportunity for shared identity emerges grounded in a mythology, culture, and narrative that transcends the present conflicts.”

Recent Posts

  • Morrigan: Irish Warrior Goddess
    If I were to ask anyone to name one of the Irish gods, almost certainly Morrigan would come at the top of their list. She’s probably one of the most iconic, symbolic, and empowering, of the ancient pantheon. And rightly so. Her image – both terrifying and awe-inspiring – has captivated generations, symbolizing the inexorable… Read more: Morrigan: Irish Warrior Goddess
  • Nendrum Monastic Site
    An Ancient Christian Site of Innovation There’s something innately appealing about becoming self-sufficient; the freedom from punitive bills, the satisfaction of eating your own produce, the knowledge and skills developed to survive, or the innovations you conjure up to overcome seemingly impossible tasks. It’s both a blessing and a curse the dependency we have today… Read more: Nendrum Monastic Site
  • Belfast’s Ancient Castle
    Ballyaghagan Cashel: An Ancient Stronghold in the Belfast Hills Nestled in the Belfast Hills, overlooking the city beneath, lies Belfast’s ancient castle – Ballyaghagan Cashel – the remains of what was once an early medieval Cashel with evidence of settlement dating back at least as far as 3,500 years. Standing atop site today, you can… Read more: Belfast’s Ancient Castle
  • The History of Dunluce Castle
    The lost town of the ‘Strong Fort’ Perched precariously on a basalt outcrop, battered by the relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Castle is one of Ireland’s most breathtaking medieval ruins. Located on the north coast of County Antrim, this dramatic stronghold has witnessed centuries of war, rebellion, and legend; inspiring artists and writers… Read more: The History of Dunluce Castle

Historical Sites

Ireland has a rich tapestry of historical sites with evidence ranging back as far as the Mesolithic age. Below is a summary of the most significant ones researched on this site. While many span multiple historical periods, they are ordered below in terms of the period of most significant activity and historical interest. Select the links to see more.

Image of ancient historical sites in Ireland

Neolithic (or earlier) 4500-2000BC

  1. Giant’s Ring
  2. Mountsandal
  3. Newgrange

Bronze Age 2000-500BC

  1. Corrstown Village, Portrush (upcoming)
  2. Dunseverick

Iron Age 500BC-400AD

  1. Emain Macha (Fort Navan)
  2. Hill of Tara
  3. Rathcroghan
  4. Dun Aonghasa
  5. Rock of Cashel
  6. Dún Ailinne – Knockaulin

Early Medieval (or later) 400AD-

  1. Dunluce Castle (upcoming)
  2. Nendrum Monastery (upcoming)
  3. Ballyaghagan (upcoming)

Author Background

Daniel has a PhD in International Conflict Analysis from the University of Kent with a published monograph covering his specialism on the criminalisation of political expression. Having delved deeply into the pained conflict across Ireland, Daniel’s love of Irish history is rooted in a belief that it can either imprison or free us depending on what we choose to see and where we draw our perspective from. Exploring the land’s more ancient history, an opportunity for shared identity emerges grounded in a mythology, culture, and narrative that transcends the present conflicts. Perhaps by seeing what came before, he believes, we can see beyond what currently confines us. To find out more about Daniel read his biography here.