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
- 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
- Writing in Iron Age Ireland – Ogham and beyondWritten 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 now and in the future.… Read more: Writing in Iron Age Ireland – Ogham and beyond
- Ancient Rock of Cashel – A fortified mythEach 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 our children fuels… Read more: Ancient Rock of Cashel – A fortified myth
- Metal Resources in Iron Age IrelandI 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 matter the size, there is one… Read more: Metal Resources in Iron Age Ireland
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.