archaeological ireland

Knockma, the great - Hill of Maeve - is situated 8km west of Tuam. Maeve, the legendary Queen of Connacht, and Ceasair, one of the earliest colonists of Ireland, are reputed to be buried in the cairns on the summit of the hill.

Tradition as well as popular superstition, also points to Knockma as the home of fairy legend for here Finvarra, the King of the Connacht fairies, is reputed to hold his court. From the summit of Knockma may be obtained one of the grandest panoramic views in Ire...

The site consists of a huge mound of rough stones about 30.4m in diameter and about 7.6m high. Modern archaeologists reckon that it may well cover a prehistoric burial chamber. However according to legend, it was built to commemorate the first days of fighting of the legendary battle of Moytura between the Tuatha de Danann and the Fir Bolgs which began in the year 3303 B.C....

"For the late Stone Age, Knowth was one of Europe's gretest public buildings. To describe it as a massive and majestic masterpiece that reflected the pride and pomp of contemporary society is not an exaggeration"....

This house at Lehery, Lanesboro, County Longford was the home of Rev. Joseph Mullooly. Fr. Mullooly's claim to fame is as the archaeologist who discovered the ancient temple of Mithras in Rome beneath more recent buildings which dated from the twelfth century. This is one of the most interesting and popular monuments of Christian history, and one of Rome's greatest attractions. Fr. Mullooly died in 1880 and is buried in the cemetery of San Lorenzo....

The 'Royal County' of Meath boasts a dramatic history and proud heritage that no other country can match. Man has settled here for over 8,000 years and everywhere one turns one can see surviving monuments and relics scattered profusely beside the rolling rivers and on the lush plains. Formerly one of the five historic provinces of Ireland, it was from here that the ancient roads of Ireland radiated, spreading Royal Meath's influence and affluence to all the corners of Ireland....

A unique trail of fifteen size specific sculptures. Encompassing miles of rugged coastline....

The Ulster Cultural Institute offers a choice to the visitor which ranges from an archaeological exhibition, traditional music archive, tapestry weaving exhibition, art gallery and library.

Cultural courses on offer include Irish language classes at all levels, hill walking, set dancing, archaeology, tapestry weaving and painting....

Take the Collooney-Sligo road to the second signpost left for Lavagh and the Ox Mountains Drive. As you approach this turn the distinctive shape of Knock-Na-Shee looms up before you. Recent aerial photography of the mountain has revealed contours which suggest that one of the biggest Stone Age burial grounds in Europe lies beneath the surface of this "Hill of the Fairies", - the English translation of the Irish name. There is a pitch and putt course to your left before you turn for Lavagh....

Inhabited by the early monks, these Clochan (beehive huts) were made of carefully constructed stones formed into a dome shape.

There are a number of them particularly on the west coast of Ireland. This one is virtually intact in the village of Kilmurvey....

An early, possibly one of the oldest extant examples of Irish figure sculpture, standing forlornly in the gloom of an old burial ground near the south-west shore of Boa Island in Lower Lough Erne. It depicts two dwarfish figures gazing in opposite directions and probably represents a Celtic deity. But while the influence of the pagan Iron Age seems unmistakable, it is doubtful if the carving can be as early as the first century AD date sometimes claimed for it. Nonetheless, the stone evident...