Ireland’s landscape is rich with ancient monuments—ringforts, passage tombs, royal sites, and crumbling stone settlements that echo the lives of those who walked here thousands of years ago. This page gathers together some of the most important historical sites in Ireland which are featured on my blog. Each of these posts combine archaeological evidence with mythology, exploring the history and significance of these amazing locations.
Below is a summary of the most significant sites. 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 read on.
Neolithic (or earlier) 4500-2000BC
Bronze Age 2000-500BC
Iron Age 500BC-400AD
- Emain Macha (Fort Navan)
- Hill of Uisneach
- Hill of Tara
- Rathcroghan
- Dun Aonghasa
- Rock of Cashel
- Dún Ailinne – Knockaulin
Early Medieval (or later) 400AD-
Historical Site Posts
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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. Once part of a network of upland settlements across the island, the Divis site sheds light on daily life, adaptation, and survival in prehistoric Ireland’s changing landscape.
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Struell Wells: Medieval Healing Wells of St Patrick
Nestled near Downpatrick, Struell Wells stands among Ireland’s most evocative holy sites — a place where ancient ritual, faith, and healing meet. This post explores its origins, its link to St Patrick, and what archaeology reveals about centuries of devotion.
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Carrickfergus Castle: Ulster’s Medieval Stronghold
Carrickfergus Castle stands as one of the most remarkable medieval fortresses in Ireland. Built by John de Courcy in the late twelfth century, it served as a gateway to Norman Ulster and a symbol of enduring power. Its layered defences, maritime position, and long history of occupation capture the shifting landscape of medieval Ireland.
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Dundrum Castle: From Ancient Fort to Norman Stronghold
Perched high above Dundrum Bay, Dundrum Castle has guarded the Mournes for nearly a thousand years. Yet its story begins long before the Normans arrived — in an early Christian fort and a prehistoric landscape marked by the Slidderyford Dolmen. This post explores how Dundrum evolved from ancient settlement to one of Ulster’s most remarkable…
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Antrim Round Tower: History of Antrim’s medieval monastic site
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.
For the full list of other posts please select from the Categories below:
- Book Reviews (5)
- Early Irish Christianity (8)
- Fiction (2)
- Historical Sites (23)
- Irish History (39)
- Irish language (7)
- Irish Mythology (27)