An Ancient Christian Site of Innovation There’s something innately appealing about becoming self-sufficient; the freedom from punitive bills, the satisfaction of eating your own produce, the knowledge and skills developed to survive, or the innovations you conjure up to overcome seemingly impossible tasks. It’s both a blessing and a curse the dependency we have today…
Ballyaghagan Cashel: An Ancient Stronghold in the Belfast Hills Nestled in the Belfast Hills, overlooking the city beneath, lies Belfast’s ancient castle – Ballyaghagan Cashel – the remains of what was once an early medieval Cashel with evidence of settlement dating back at least as far as 3,500 years. Standing atop site today, you can…
The lost town of the ‘Strong Fort’ Perched precariously on a basalt outcrop, battered by the relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Dunluce Castle is one of Ireland’s most breathtaking medieval ruins. Located on the north coast of County Antrim, this dramatic stronghold has witnessed centuries of war, rebellion, and legend; inspiring artists and writers…
Corrstown Portrush: The Hidden Bronze Age Village The seaside town of Portrush, off the North coast of Northern Ireland, has become well known for its world famous golf, beautiful beaches, surfing, and fantastic restaurants – not for its ancient history. But a groundbreaking discovery in 2002 revealed an Irish Bronze Age settlement which has reshaped…
Writing in Iron Age Ireland Written language is something we all take for granted. Even as I write, I can’t help but see the irony in my reliance on such a medium to communicate with you the reader. By putting into words what I am thinking, I am connecting with all who read this both…
A fortified myth Each year, as we approach Christmas, many of us will don the charade of Santa Claus for our children, portraying a wonderful joy-wrapped lie. We put out our shortbread and milk, hang up the stockings, possibly even ring a few bells to pretend the reindeers are nearby. The wonder and excitement of…
Metal Resources in Iron Age Ireland I have a love/hate relationship with DIY projects. On the one hand, I find great satisfaction in fixing taps, laying floors, or mending walls. But on the other, all too often my ambition exceeds my budget, skill, or even the art of the possible. But, throughout all projects, no…
Highways of Ancient Ireland Earlier this summer I watched the road outside my home slowly broken up and resurfaced. The many weeks of hard labour (granted they took far longer than needed), disruption and chaos created, and the army of trucks carrying materials, all got me thinking about how such roads were built and used…
The Tuatha De Dannan If I were to list out the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Norse cultures, I can almost guarantee that their respective pantheons will come to mind. But if I now add the Irish to this list, I wonder how many would be able to list even one of their gods. Even as…
Every morning all of us share in a ritual that dates back as far history itself. For, without exception, each of us will decide what we will wear for the day ahead. The questions we will ask to form our choices are the same questions our ancestors would have asked some 2,000 years ago: ‘What…