Daniel Kirkpatrick · Writer & Researcher
Ancient Irish History, Mythology & Heritage
This is where I research, write, and map ancient Ireland — from Bronze Age homesteads above Belfast to the Tuatha Dé Danann and the place-names that still carry their echo. Every post is grounded in academic sources, primary texts, and fieldwork at the locations themselves.
You’ll find a complete chronological guide to 33,000 years of Irish history, profiles of significant archaeological sites, an interactive explorer of the Irish gods, original historical maps, my Heritage Tools for searching the archaeology of any ward or barony, and a monthly newsletter joined by over 770 readers.
Recent Research
Irish History
Divis Mountain’s Bronze Age Homestead
High on Divis Mountain, traces of a Bronze Age homestead reveal how Ireland’s early farmers lived and worked over three millennia ago.
Irish Mythology
The Dullahan — Headless Rider of Death
Ireland’s headless rider is a fearsome omen of death. Discover his myths, folklore, and enduring role in Irish culture.
Irish Mythology
Aengus: Irish God of Love, Youth, and Dreams
From the legend of Caer to his ties with Newgrange, Aengus’s longing and lyricism echo through Irish tradition.
Irish Mythology
The Púca: Shape-Shifting Spirit
A shape-shifting spirit from Irish folklore. Discover its myths, trickster tales, and influence on Ireland’s cultural imagination.
About the Author
Daniel has a PhD in International Conflict Analysis from the University of Kent, with a published monograph on the criminalisation of political expression. His love of Irish history is rooted in a belief that history can either imprison or free us depending on where we choose to 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 present conflicts. Daniel’s research draws on academic sources, primary texts, and fieldwork at the locations themselves. He is currently working on his first work of historical fiction, set in Iron Age Ireland.
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