History of Ancient Ireland
The first settlers in Ireland arrived approximately 8000 BC from most likely Scotland.It has been debated if Ireland was actually the last country in Western Europe to be have been discovered, or at least settled on.
Times had to be very difficult for the first settlers in Ancient Ireland for a number of reasons such as the harsh weather coming off the Atlantic sea but also because of the lack of in-land food resources, which would be a reason these people first roamed the coast of Ireland.
Mesolithic Times 8000BC – 4500BC
Through out the years archaeological digs have provided evidence of these first settlers such as the digs in Dingle Peninsula which has a staggering 2,000+ of preserved monuments. Excavations showed the first settlers were hunters and making use of the food resources on the coast during the Mesolithic period in Ireland. Mesolithic huts that are dated between 7000BC - 6500BC were recovered in the North part of Ireland. These Mesolithic huts would be easily construct from timber and animal skin for the Mesolithic people were always moving along the rivers and coast line to places like Ferriter's Cove.
Neolithic Times 4500 – 2500BC
The people in Ireland advanced into a Neolithic culture from settlers traveling from Eastern Europe sharing their knowledge along the way. New knowledge was being shared in Ireland would have been the use of new tools and farming methods which became a more permanent way of life. The Neolithic period in Ireland brought about major changes including the importing of various animals.
Newgrange Burial Chambers
Megaliths or large burial structures were being constructed all over Ireland with over 1500 as being recorded. One such structure built was the Poulnabrone dolmen in the Burren, County Clase. Although many of these ancient tombs are in Ireland, they can also be found in many countries all over Europe. One of the best Neolithic burial chambers famous in Ireland would be Newgrange in County Meath, which is astronomically aligned.
The structures did not exist until a number of centuries after the first arrival of the Neolithic people and today is being played into Irish mythology such as the large standing stones found in the center of fields. Some Irish myths suggest these stones were part of game played by huge Irish giants who would throw the massive stones for fun and to pass time.
The Bronze Age Period - 2500BC - 500BC
When discovery was made on how to make copper Ireland was brought into the Bronze Age Period. Ireland was rich with copper so it became a popular source for those who mined copper. In later years it was realized that adding tin to copper would make Bronze. Many artifacts have been found dating the Bronze Age Period in Ireland including many valuable gold objects.
Iron Age Ireland
At around 700BC the Iron Age began when the Celts arrived bringing with them a new culture, language and of course making things with Iron. This would have a dramatic impact in Ireland and would last to the current Day. Little is known about Ireland's Iron Age Period but we can piece together clues that have been left behind by the Celts.
The Arrival of Christianity
Many people think that St Patrick was the one who brought Christianity to Ireland but it was actually St Palladius who first landed on Irish shores. The pope in Rome had sent St Palladius to Ireland in 430AD, two years previous than when St Patrick arrived.
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Ancient Ireland Timeline
- 8000BC - The Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) Period
- 4500BC - Neolithic (New Stone Age) Period
- 3200BC - Irish passage tombs such as Newgrange are built
- 2500BC - The Early Bronze Age Period
- 1500BC - Late Bronze Age Period
- 700BC - The Iron Age Period - The Celt's arrive in Ireland
- 430AD - Christianity is brought to Ireland
