Céide Fields
Location: Ballycastle, Co. Mayo
Classification: Field System
SMR Code: MA006-032002-
Rating:
Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies the Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. The stone-walled fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. First discovered in the 1930s when a local man, schoolteacher Patrick Caulfield, noticed piles of rocks which were uncovered as he cut away some peat for fuel. Caulfield realised that the rocks must have been placed there by humans, as their configuration was clearly unnatural and deliberate. Furthermore, the rocks were positioned below the bog, which meant they were there before the bog developed, implying a very ancient origin. The unravelling of the true significance of this discovery did not begin for another forty years when Patrick's son, Seamus, having studied archaeology, began to investigate further. Investigations revealed a complex of fields, houses and megalithic tombs concealed by the growth of blanket bogs over the course of many centuries.
The excavation of the Céide habitation sites and tombs reveals the way of life of people living 200 generations ago. They were a large community of farmers who cleared hundreds of acres of forest. Their main economy was cattle rearing but among them were also craftspeople and builders in both wood and stone. It was discovered that these people arrived in a land with a substantial forest canopy. This was cleared to provide access to arable land and to provide building material and firewood. This clearance continued onward and outward away from the area in continuing procurement of firewood. The climate at the time was much warmer, leading to almost year-round growth potential. Samples taken from the remains of trees found in the bog provide ample evidence of this.
Description
Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies the Céide Fields, the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. The stone-walled fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. First discovered in the 1930s when a local man, schoolteacher Patrick Caulfield, noticed piles of rocks which were uncovered as he cut away some peat for fuel. Caulfield realised that the rocks must have been placed there by humans, as their configuration was clearly unnatural and deliberate. Furthermore, the rocks were positioned below the bog, which meant they were there before the bog developed, implying a very ancient origin. The unravelling of the true significance of this discovery did not begin for another forty years when Patrick's son, Seamus, having studied archaeology, began to investigate further. Investigations revealed a complex of fields, houses and megalithic tombs concealed by the growth of blanket bogs over the course of many centuries.
History
The excavation of the Céide habitation sites and tombs reveals the way of life of people living 200 generations ago. They were a large community of farmers who cleared hundreds of acres of forest. Their main economy was cattle rearing but among them were also craftspeople and builders in both wood and stone. It was discovered that these people arrived in a land with a substantial forest canopy. This was cleared to provide access to arable land and to provide building material and firewood. This clearance continued onward and outward away from the area in continuing procurement of firewood. The climate at the time was much warmer, leading to almost year-round growth potential. Samples taken from the remains of trees found in the bog provide ample evidence of this.
Accessibility Rating: Easy
Access to this site is via the visitors centre for which there is a charge.
Céide Fields Visitor Centre. Open daily from April to November. Telephone: +353 96 43325
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
Access to this site is via the visitors centre for which there is a charge.
Facilities
Céide Fields Visitor Centre. Open daily from April to November. Telephone: +353 96 43325
Map
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 08:05
Sunset: 18:41
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 08:05
Sunset: 18:41
Users should note that the Monumental Ireland application and website are information guides only and do not act as an invitation to enter any of the properties or sites listed. No responsibility is accepted by the creators of the Monumental Ireland application for any loss, injury or inconveniences sustained as a result of using it.
