Bringing together his love for writing and Irish history, this is an author website for Daniel Kirkpatrick. His current writing project is an Irish historical fiction narrative set in the Iron Age when feuding kingdoms vie for High-Kingship.
This site covers all the research behind his writing ranging from historical sites, Irish mythology, ancient communities and practices, to Irish language and book reviews. While Daniel makes no claims to being an expert in these matters, each post will be rooted in a mix of leading academic research, historical texts, and whatever other materials he can get his hands on having visited and photographed many of the locations discussed.
If you’d like to get in touch, please see his Twitter profile here.
“History can either imprison or free us depending on what we choose to see and where we draw our perspective from. By exploring Ireland’s ancient history, an opportunity for shared identity emerges grounded in a mythology, culture, and narrative that transcends the present conflicts.”
Recent Posts
- Nendrum Monastery: An Ancient Christian site of InnovationThere’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 on ever-increasingly complex supply chains and… Read more: Nendrum Monastery: An Ancient Christian site of Innovation
- Ballyaghagan Cashel: An Ancient Stronghold in the Belfast HillsNestled in the Belfast Hills, overlooking the city beneath, lies 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 see views stretching across Belfast Lough, out to the Mourne Mountains off into the… Read more: Ballyaghagan Cashel: An Ancient Stronghold in the Belfast Hills
- Dunluce Castle: 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 for centuries, from C.S. Lewis‘ Narnia Chronicles,… Read more: Dunluce Castle: The lost town of the ‘Strong Fort’
- Corrstown Portrush: The Hidden Bronze Age VillageThe 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 a Bronze Age settlement which has reshaped our understanding of prehistoric life in Ireland. Known… Read more: Corrstown Portrush: The Hidden Bronze Age Village
Historical Sites
Ireland has a rich tapestry of historical sites with evidence ranging back as far as the Mesolithic age. Below is a summary of the most significant ones researched on this site. While many span multiple historical periods, they are ordered below in terms of the period of most significant activity and historical interest. Select the links to see more.
Neolithic (or earlier) 4500-2000BC
Bronze Age 2000-500BC
- Corrstown Village, Portrush (upcoming)
- Dunseverick
Iron Age 500BC-400AD
- Emain Macha (Fort Navan)
- Hill of Tara
- Rathcroghan
- Dun Aonghasa
- Rock of Cashel
- Dún Ailinne – Knockaulin
Early Medieval (or later) 400AD-
- Dunluce Castle (upcoming)
- Nendrum Monastery (upcoming)
- Ballyaghagan (upcoming)
Author Background
Daniel has a PhD in International Conflict Analysis from the University of Kent with a published monograph covering his specialism on the criminalisation of political expression. Having delved deeply into the pained conflict across Ireland, Daniel’s love of Irish history is rooted in a belief that it can either imprison or free us depending on what we choose to see and where we draw our perspective from. Exploring the land’s more ancient history, an opportunity for shared identity emerges grounded in a mythology, culture, and narrative that transcends the present conflicts. Perhaps by seeing what came before, he believes, we can see beyond what currently confines us. To find out more about Daniel read his biography here.