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 in Ireland
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 in Ireland
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. Animals such as sheep, goats and cows were brought to Ireland by settlers who also brought barley and wheat. Porcellanite, a stone tougher than flint, was introduced to make axes and more stronger tools, which were mined, from Cushendall and Rathlin Island in County Antrim. These tools were also found in Southern England, which suggests the Neolithic Irish may have been trading with Britain.
Newgrange Burial Chambers
Megaliths or large burial structures were being constructed all over Ireland with over 1500 as being recorded as to have survived. 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.
Iron Age Ireland
At around 600BC the Iron Age began and the Irish culture dramatically expanded due to the druids who were priests, educators, poets, historians, and physicians. As you can imagine these priests played a big part in the culture of Ireland and evidence of their existence can still be found today.
The Invasion of the Celts
By 250 BC Ireland was to change with the invasion of the Celts. The new arrival of the Celts would mean new skills and a new language to be introduced, along with spiritual beliefs. Right to this day the Irish Culture is seen to be still influenced by that of the Celts.
