Archaeology is a fascinating field of study that has revealed a great deal about the history of the island of Ireland. Ireland is one of the most ancient inhabited islands in the world. The archaeological record of Ireland is both extensive and diverse. It begins with the oldest signs of human activity in the Mesolithic period and continues all the way up to the more recent evidence of the Viking and Norman invasions. The archaeological record of Ireland is particularly important for understanding the development of Irish culture and society as well as the impact of foreign influences on the island. In addition, archaeological evidence has been used to offer light on the history of Irish religion, the development of Irish art and architecture, and the beginnings of the Irish language. Archaeological and landscape studies have shed light on the daily lives of the people who have inhabited Ireland at various points throughout its history.
Timeline of Irish Archaeology
Key Archaeological Sites in Ireland
Archaeological Features in Ireland
Interactive Google Maps
Megalithic Tombs
Stone Circles
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The Neolithic Archaeology of Ireland
I. Introduction to the Irish Neolithic The Neolithic period, or New Stone Age, in Ireland represents a pivotal chapter in the island’s human history, a time of profound social, economic, and technological transformation that laid the groundwork for subsequent cultural developments. Spanning roughly from c. 4000 BC to c. 2500…
The Archaeology of Ireland: from the Mesolithic to the Modern Era
Ireland possesses a uniquely rich and remarkably well-preserved archaeological record, a testament to millennia of human endeavour, adaptation, and cultural evolution. Situated on the western fringe of Europe, its story is one of both distinct island development and periodic, transformative connections with the broader continent. This guide aims to provide…
Mesolithic Archaeology of Ireland: The First Hunter-Gatherer Settlements
The Mesolithic period, or Middle Stone Age, represents a pivotal stage in human history, serving as a bridge between the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods. In Ireland, this era is generally recognised as spanning from approximately 10,000 to 6,000 years ago, with the earliest substantial evidence of settlement appearing around 8000…