As I complete research for my writing, I will post summaries here of topics I find interesting or significant. With a general focus on Irish history, they will cover historical sites across Ireland, ancient history topics (e.g. types of tombs or customs), and recent archaeological research.
If you have any feedback or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in contact via my contact page. For more of my regular content see my Twitter feed. I try to regularly post about Irish history as well as my writing.
“Understanding ancient Ireland is not about learning facts or theories, but about understanding who we are today. The myths and legends of ancient Ireland challenge our myths and legends of today – the things we take for granted – providing us with a whole new perspective on who we are and where we’ve come from.”
Recent Posts
- Viking Settlements in Ireland: From Raids to Norse TownsWhat began as raiding evolved into roots. This post uncovers how Viking settlements like Dublin shaped Ireland’s cities, culture, and even the Irish language.
- Where are Ireland’s Standing Stones?Ireland is home to over 4,600 standing stones, most dating to the Bronze Age. Discover their history, purpose, and prominent examples, with an interactive map showing their locations across the island.
- Irish Bards and Ancient Music: The Sound of Iron Age IrelandIn ancient Ireland, bards were more than musicians — they were poets, legal witnesses, and memory-keepers. This post explores the world of bardic song, harp-playing, and oral tradition.
- Who is St Brendan of Clonfert?Discover the legacy of St Brendan of Clonfert, a 6th-century Irish monk whose monastic life and mythical voyage left a lasting mark on Ireland’s sacred landscape.
- What is Irish rock art?Ireland’s Neolithic rock art preserves some of the island’s earliest symbols. From spirals and cup-marks to newly identified scribed stones, these carvings reveal how prehistoric communities shaped and understood their landscape. This post explores the motifs, archaeology, and latest research, with interactive maps showing the full distribution of Ireland’s recorded rock art.
- Irish Iron Age Warfare: Military Tactics, Raids & StrategyExplore the tactics and strategy behind Irish Iron Age warfare—from cattle raids and ambushes to fortified hilltops and tribal alliances. Discover how conflict shaped early Irish society.
Timeline of Ancient Ireland
Ancient Irish history is a vast tapestry stretching from the Stone Age beginnings to the early medieval era. It’s a story of hunter-gatherers, megalithic tomb builders, Celtic warriors, and holy monks – all contributing to the rich heritage of Ireland. This page serves as a cornerstone for exploring Ancient Ireland, summarizing each key period and linking to in-depth posts on our site for those who want to learn more. In that spirit, let’s journey through Ireland’s past – from the first settlers after the Ice Age to the dawn of Christianity – and discover how ancient Irish history shaped the Ireland we know.
To put things in perspective, here is a brief timeline of major periods in ancient Irish history, from prehistoric times to the early medieval period.
Mesolithic (c. 8000–4000 BC)
Earliest people arrive in Ireland after the Ice Age, living as nomadic hunter-gatherers. Small communities like the camp at Mountsandel left traces of huts and flint tools around 8000 BC.
Neolithic (c. 4000–2500 BC)
Farming arrives and spread across Ireland. Settled villages emerge, and people build great megalithic tombs such as Newgrange and dolmens. This era sees pottery-making and communal monuments aligned with celestial events.
Bronze Age (c. 2500–700 BC)
Metallurgy revolutionises society as copper and gold are mined and bronze tools and weapons appear. Trade networks reach beyond Ireland – for example, tin needed for bronze was imported from Britain. We find the first big settlements like the Bronze Age village at Corrstown, Portrush with dozens of roundhouses. Skilfully crafted gold ornaments (like lunula collars) also highlight this period’s sophistication.
Iron Age (c. 700 BC–400 AD)
The Celtic culture flourishes. Iron tools and weapons become common. Society is organized into tribes or tuatha ruled by chieftains or petty kings. The Celtic religion and mythology take shape, with learned druids as priests and judges. Large hillforts (e.g. Dún Ailinne or Navan Fort) dominate landscapes as ceremonial or royal centers. Toward the end of this era, Ogham – the first form of writing in Ireland – appears, carving early Irish words onto standing stones.
Early Medieval (c. 400–900+ AD)
Christianity arrives in the 5th century, traditionally via St. Patrick, transforming Ireland’s spiritual life. Over the next centuries, Ireland earns the title “land of saints and scholars” as monastic sites like Nendrum preserve learning through the Dark Ages. By ~800 AD, Viking raiders begin attacking, later founding the first towns (like Dublin). The early medieval period, including the Viking Age, marks the transition from Ireland’s ancient world to the medieval era, up to the Norman invasion of 1169 which starts a new chapter in Irish history.
Each of these periods brought profound changes. In the posts listed below, you can explore each period and many related topics in greater detail. Ancient Ireland is not just of academic interest – it’s a source of identity and inspiration. By understanding where we came from, we gain perspective on who we are today. The legends and historical realities of ancient Ireland continue to shape Irish culture, from popular folklore to national symbols. We invite you to delve into these stories and explore the posts linked throughout this page (and in the tags and categories) to satisfy your curiosity. Whether you’re drawn to the engineering feats of Neolithic tomb-builders, the bravery of Iron Age warriors, or the wisdom of early saints, Ancient Ireland has a tale to tell you.
Table of Ancient Irish History Timeline
| Period | Approx. Dates | Defining Features | Notable Developments | Sites & Artifacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mesolithic | c. 8000–4000 BC | First human settlement post-Ice Age; hunter-gatherer lifestyle | Seasonal camps, fishing, foraging, flint tools | Mountsandel (Co. Derry) – Ireland’s earliest known settlement |
| Neolithic | c. 4000–2500 BC | Farming introduced; permanent settlements; megalithic monuments | Agriculture, pottery, ritual architecture | Newgrange, Knowth, Giant’s Ring, court tombs, portal and passage tombs |
| Bronze Age | c. 2500–700 BC | Metal tools and weapons; gold ornaments; early trade and village life | Use of bronze, social stratification, ceremonial sites | Corrstown (Co. Antrim), wedge tombs, stone circles, gold lunulae |
| Iron Age | c. 700 BC–400 AD | Arrival of ironworking; Celtic influence; warrior society; oral tradition | Iron tools, tribal kingship, ogham writing, mythic hero tales | Navan Fort, Dún Ailinne, Hill of Tara, Rathcroghan, ogham stones |
| Early Medieval | c. 400–900 AD | Christianisation; monasticism; first written records; Viking raids | Monasteries, illuminated manuscripts, round towers | Nendrum, Clonmacnoise, Glendalough, Book of Kells, Viking towns (Dublin, Waterford) |
All Irish History Posts
- Viking Settlements in Ireland: From Raids to Norse TownsWhat began as raiding evolved into roots. This post uncovers how Viking settlements like Dublin shaped Ireland’s cities, culture, and even the Irish language.
- Where are Ireland’s Standing Stones?Ireland is home to over 4,600 standing stones, most dating to the Bronze Age. Discover their history, purpose, and prominent examples, with an interactive map showing their locations across the island.
- Irish Bards and Ancient Music: The Sound of Iron Age IrelandIn ancient Ireland, bards were more than musicians — they were poets, legal witnesses, and memory-keepers. This post explores the world of bardic song, harp-playing, and oral tradition.
- Who is St Brendan of Clonfert?Discover the legacy of St Brendan of Clonfert, a 6th-century Irish monk whose monastic life and mythical voyage left a lasting mark on Ireland’s sacred landscape.
- What is Irish rock art?Ireland’s Neolithic rock art preserves some of the island’s earliest symbols. From spirals and cup-marks to newly identified scribed stones, these carvings reveal how prehistoric communities shaped and understood their landscape. This post explores the motifs, archaeology, and latest research, with interactive maps showing the full distribution of Ireland’s recorded rock art.
- Irish Iron Age Warfare: Military Tactics, Raids & StrategyExplore the tactics and strategy behind Irish Iron Age warfare—from cattle raids and ambushes to fortified hilltops and tribal alliances. Discover how conflict shaped early Irish society.
- Who was St Columba? Missionary, Monk, and Legend of IonaSt Columba was more than a saint—he was a scholar, exile, and founding figure of Irish and Scottish Christianity. This post explores his legacy through historical records, myth, and enduring influence.
- North Antrim Historical Sites: Interactive MapNorth Antrim’s coastline is world-renowned for its beauty, but it also holds a remarkable depth of history. From Mesolithic hunter-gatherers at Mountsandel Fort to Neolithic megaliths, Bronze Age villages at Corrstown, Iron Age fortifications at Dunseverick, and the medieval Dunluce Castle, the region reveals thousands of years of human settlement, trade, and cultural exchange. Use the interactive map to explore these sites and their significance in Ireland’s past.
- What were the Irish Ollamhs? Ancient healers and herbologyAcross early Irish society, Ollamhs stood at the intersection of scholarship and healing. This post explores their link with ancient herbology and plant lore.
- What is the Antrim Round Tower?Antrim Round Tower rises above the town as one of Ulster’s most enduring medieval landmarks. Built in the early Christian period, it reflects both the defensive needs and spiritual ambitions of a monastic community. From its architecture to its role in local memory, the tower connects Antrim’s story to Ireland’s wider heritage of round towers.
- What did people eat and drink in Iron Age Ireland?What did people eat in Iron Age Ireland? From oatcakes and dairy to feasts and fermented drinks, food was at the heart of Irish life — both practical and symbolic. This post explores the diet, cooking methods, and mythic meaning of food in early Irish society.
- Map of Megalithic Sites in IrelandIreland is home to thousands of megalithic monuments, from famous passage tombs like Newgrange to lesser-known portal dolmens, wedge tombs, court cairns, and boulder monuments. This map explores how these structures are distributed across the island, revealing striking regional patterns that reflect ancient ritual, burial, and community life. By comparing their spread in Ireland with megaliths in Britain and Europe, we can better understand the people who built them and the landscapes they chose.
- How did the Romans influence Ireland?While Ireland was never conquered by Rome, archaeological finds and historical accounts reveal a deeper story of Roman contact and cultural influence.
- Who was St Patrick? Life, Miracles & Lasting LegacyLast Updated: 11 November 2025 Most nations have a single figure who defines their national identity. From George Washington to Joan of Arc, from Mahatma Gandhi to Alfred the Great, these historical names have become synonyms for nationalism and pride. But Ireland’s great figurehead, St Patrick, is arguably unparalleled in both reach, symbolism, and importance.… Read more: Who was St Patrick? Life, Miracles & Lasting Legacy
- What were the Irish Brehon Laws?Long before English common law, Ireland was governed by a rich system of native justice: the Brehon Laws. Rooted in Gaelic society, these complex codes addressed everything from land rights and marriage to crime and compensation—not through punitive prisons, but through honour, restitution and community. This post explores how these laws shaped daily life in ancient Ireland, revealing a legal tradition centred on repair and relationships, and how their echoes linger in the Irish ethos today.
- What are Irish Megaliths? Henges, Cists, Tombs & CirclesDiscover the main types of Irish megaliths—from ritual henges and burial cists to iconic passage and court tombs, plus stone circles scattered across the landscape. This guide explains each monument’s form and function, illustrated with key examples like Newgrange and Poulnabrone. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or planning a heritage tour, learn how these ancient structures shaped Ireland’s Neolithic and Bronze Age communities.
- Hill of Uisneach – Ireland’s Sacred Centre of Myth & HistoryThe Hill of Uisneach, Ireland’s sacred centre, is a site where ancient history, mythology, and landscape converge. From royal inaugurations to Bealtaine fire rituals, this Westmeath hill has long been a spiritual axis. Discover its role in prehistoric belief, medieval lore, and modern revival as the heart of Ireland’s mythic and ceremonial tradition.
- Ancient Celtic Festival Calendar: 8 Key DatesFrom Samhain to Lughnasadh, this post outlines the eight pivotal festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar, explaining when each occurs and its cultural significance. Learn how these seasonal rituals shaped early Irish life and still echo in Ireland today.
- What were the Irish war chariots?Just as modern cars show status, Ireland’s Iron-Age chariots were powerful status symbols. Explore their unique design, roles in Celtic society, and the legendary race of the goddess Macha.
- Irish Celtic Druids: Healers, Judges & Ancient Irish WisdomIrish Celtic druids were ancient Ireland’s elite scholars: priests, judges, and healers who wielded law and lore. This article explores who they were, what roles they played, and why they matter in Irish history and mythology.
- Etymology of Irish Animal Names: Myth & Language RevealedExplore the etymology of Irish animal names—cú, bradán, each—and uncover their mythological, legal, and cultural roots in Celtic Ireland.
- What is the Nendrum Monastic Site?Nendrum Monastic Site on Mahee Island is Northern Ireland’s best-preserved early-Christian monastery. Founded c. AD 450 by St Mochaoi, its triple stone cashels, unique 7th-century tidal mill and stunning Strangford Lough views reveal a community where faith met engineering genius. Free to visit year-round, it’s a must-see for Irish history lovers.
- Ballyaghagan Cashel: Belfast Hills Stone Ringfort GuideBallyaghagan Cashel crowns Cave Hill 275 m above Belfast—a stone ringfort 42 m wide that housed farmers a millennium ago and hides even older flint scatters beneath its walls. Today a short stroll from Upper Hightown Road car park rewards visitors with panoramic views, Iron-Age ambience and a tangible link to the city’s forgotten past.
- What is the history of Dunluce Castle and Town?Clinging to the edge of Antrim’s cliffs, Dunluce Castle has witnessed centuries of storm, siege, and legend. Once home to earls and warriors, its ruins now tell quieter tales — of ambition, collapse, and the shifting tides of Irish history.
- Corrstown Bronze Age Village: Ireland’s Largest SettlementCorrstown, just outside Portrush, stunned archaeologists in 2002 with 74 roundhouses linked by cobbled lanes—one of the largest Middle-Bronze Age villages uncovered in Britain or Ireland. Radiocarbon dates of c. 1700-1200 BC, 16,500 flint pieces and 9,000 pottery sherds now illuminate daily life on the Atlantic fringe.
- Ancient Irish Society: Language, Law & the Structures of KinshipHow was ancient Irish society structured before the Norman invasion? This post explores the túath (tribe), fine (kin-group), kingship, and the role of Brehon law in shaping daily life. Drawing on linguistic roots and the latest research in archaeology and history, it offers a clear and accessible overview of Ireland’s Iron Age social fabric.
- What is the Ogham Tree Alphabet?The Ogham alphabet—20 sharp strokes named after trees—records Ireland’s oldest written words. Carved on stone pillars from Kerry to Pembrokeshire, this 5th-century script holds clan names, boundary claims and a hint of druid lore. Decode its notches, track new finds and see how Ogham still inspires tattoos and typefaces today.
- What was Dun Aengus? Ireland’s Ancient West Maritime HubDun Aengus (Dún Aonghasa) crowns a 100 m Atlantic cliff on Inis Mór, its triple drystone walls and jagged chevaux-de-frise guarding the island since the Late Bronze Age. Excavations by Claire Cotter revealed metal-working debris and ritual deposits, while modern paths now guide visitors through Ireland’s most spectacular prehistoric fort.
- How old is the Rock of Cashel?Perched above Tipperary’s Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig) rose from a royal hill-fort to a 12th-century ecclesiastical powerhouse. But its ancient roots claim to go back much further into Iron Age Ireland. Here we explore the evidence.
- Iron Age Materials in Ireland: From Bog Iron to Ash-wood SpearsIron-Age Ireland relied on bog iron for blades, ash and oak for spear-shafts, wool for textiles and imported glass for status beads. This guide traces each material from source to finished artefact—mines, quarries, bogs and workshops—backed by excavation data and experimental archaeology.
- Ancient Roads of Ireland – 5 Slíghe (Highways) Radiating from TaraExplore the ancient roads of Ireland—from prehistoric trackways to Iron Age ceremonial routes—and uncover how these paths shaped settlement, trade, and myth.
- Tuatha Dé Danann: The 12 Legendary Irish GodsDiscover the legendary gods and goddesses of Irish mythology—from Nuada and Brigid to the Dagda and Morrígan. This in-depth guide explores their stories, symbols, and enduring place in Celtic lore.
- Iron Age Clothing in Ireland: What People Really WoreFrom dyed cloaks to imported silks, Iron Age Irish clothing was far from drab. Discover how ancient fashion reflected power and culture — and how its legacy still echoes in what we wear today.
- What is the history of Dunseverick Castle?Perched above the North Atlantic, Dunseverick Castle weaves together centuries of myth, kingship, and quiet endurance. From Iron Age roots to Saint Patrick’s visit, its crumbled walls still echo with stories — if we know how to listen.
- What is the history of Dun Ailinne?Dun Ailinne crowns Knockaulin Hill in County Kildare—an Iron-Age ritual enclosure where Leinster kings gathered for inauguration and seasonal feasts. Excavations (1968-75) uncovered wooden temple rings, feasting debris and imported glass beads, revealing a ceremonial complex on par with Tara and Rathcroghan yet still hidden beneath pasture today.
- Irish Hillforts: Ancient Fortifications of IrelandDiscover the history of Irish hillforts – ancient Iron Age fortifications across Ireland. Learn about their designs, locations and cultural significance.
- Iron-Age Hillforts in Ireland: Daily Life, Purpose & Key SitesHigh earth ramparts, smoky roundhouses and communal feasts—Iron-Age hillforts like Rathgall and Dun Aengus were more than forts; they were power-houses of craft, ritual and defence. This guide uncovers what daily life looked like on those windswept summits and why the Leinster kings chose hilltops for ceremony and control.
- What is the history of Rathcroghan?Discover Rathcroghan, the ancient royal heartland of Connacht steeped in legend and history. Explore the tales of Queen Medb, archaeological discoveries, and Ireland’s most mysterious mythological site.
- Mountsandel Fort – Ireland’s Oldest Mesolithic SettlementExplore the fascinating history of Mountsandel Fort, Ireland’s oldest known Mesolithic settlement. Discover its evolution from ancient hunter-gatherer camps to a strategic Norman earthwork, and learn how archaeological discoveries continue to shed light on this remarkable site’s past.
- How old is Newgrange and who built it?Older than Stonehenge or the Pyramids, Newgrange is more than a burial mound — it’s a testament to prehistoric engineering, ritual, and sky-watching. In the heart of the Boyne Valley, its alignment with the winter solstice hints at a worldview both deeply practical and profoundly spiritual.
- What is Navan Fort? The History of Emain MachaExplore Navan Fort (Emain Macha), the legendary seat of Ulster’s ancient kings, and uncover its fascinating Iron Age temple mound, rich archaeological heritage, and central role in Irish mythology.
- What is Belfast’s Giant’s Ring? 5,000-Year-Old Neolithic HengeDiscover Belfast’s Giant’s Ring – a 5,000-year-old Neolithic henge and passage tomb. Learn about its ancient origins (built around 2700 BC), archaeological discoveries (megalithic tombs, human remains), and why this mysterious site remains a highlight of Irish history and tourism.
- Was the Hill of Tara Ireland’s Seat of High Kings?Once the seat of Ireland’s high kings, the Hill of Tara is steeped in legend, ceremony, and ancient power. From Neolithic tombs to tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, explore why this sacred site remains one of Ireland’s most enduring symbols of sovereignty.
- Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre Review: History, Exhibits & TipsOldbridge House turns the 1690 Battle of the Boyne into an immersive day out: laser battlefield model, 17th-century weapons, riverside walks and a restored walled garden. Here’s a review of it’s history, exhibits, and visitor tips.
Book Reviews
- Book Review: Ireland’s Animals by Niall Mac Coitir – Myths, Legends & FolkloreIreland’s Animals gathers folklore, natural history and morality tales for 56 Irish species—from the otter who baptised St Colmcille to the ‘loyal’ red deer of Ossory. Mac Coitir’s clear prose and Gordon D’Arcy’s ink drawings turn backyard wildlife into mythic companions; here’s why the 2010 Collins Press book still earns shelf space.
- Book Review: A smaller social history of ancient Ireland, P.W. JoyceI recently discovered that my 1 year-old daughter has already chosen her favourite book, one she undoubtedly picked for the colourful flaps and dynamic dinosaurs. When I ask what she wants to read, she has no hesitation, through pointing and screaming, which… Read more: Book Review: A smaller social history of ancient Ireland, P.W. Joyce
- Book Review: The Celts, Barry CunliffeSome historians are born academics, their work is thorough, detailed, and completely incomprehensible. But there are a rare few, of whom we will have all heard of (e.g. Tom Holland, Anthony Beevor), who manage to bridge that great divide, turning facts into… Read more: Book Review: The Celts, Barry Cunliffe
- Book Review – Ancient Ireland by Laurence FlanaganArchaeology can often feel as dry and dead as the very artifacts it unearths. Debates around dating methodologies, discoveries of inane objects of little to no importance, or merely terminology so densely formulated in ‘isms’ and ‘tions’ that no lay-person has a… Read more: Book Review – Ancient Ireland by Laurence Flanagan
- Book Review: The Oldest Irish Tradition, Kenneth JacksonI can’t count the times I’ve prayed for the dull, droning monotony of a lecture to end. We will all be able to remember a talk we wished we could escape, a pointless meeting, or a seemingly unending work presentation. I resent… Read more: Book Review: The Oldest Irish Tradition, Kenneth Jackson
Further Resources
My research draws on a mix of academic research, archaeological reports, primary source material, and site visits. But the world of ancient Irish history is much bigger than I could ever hope to cover. So for those who want to delve deeper, please see these top 5 resources I’d recommend:
1. Irish History Online
A continuously updated electronic bibliography hosted by the Royal Irish Academy, providing detailed references to publications on Irish history, making it an invaluable research tool.
2. FutureLearn – Irish History Courses
In collaboration with leading universities, FutureLearn offers free online courses that explore key events from early settlements to modern times, allowing learners to analyze historical events from diverse perspectives.
3. The Brehon Academy
Dedicated to reviving and teaching ancient Irish culture and society, this platform offers courses on early Irish law, culture, and societal structures, providing a deep dive into Ireland’s historical legal systems.
4. Corpus of Electronic Texts (CELT)
Hosted by University College Cork, CELT is an online database of contemporary and historical documents related to Irish history and culture, providing access to a wealth of primary sources.
5. Digital Medievalist – Learning Old Irish
For those interested in the linguistic aspects of ancient Irish history, this resource offers guidance on learning Old Irish, including recommended dictionaries and texts.