She roamed Ireland over 2000 years ago and has various locations in Ireland’s western province named after her, but this year a Dublin company is set to re-imagine the story of Maeve of Connacht.
Dating from Ireland’s bronze age, Maeve is at the centre of one of Ireland’s great myths, the Cattle Raid of Cooley, regarded as ‘The Irish Iliad’.
The company behind the re-imagining of Maeve, Dublin headquartered Ballywire Media, takes up her story when she turns 18.
A 60 page graphic novella, original poetry and music, an art exhibition and a VR app showing us her living quarters are amongst the features being teased by the company.
More information due over the next few weeks. In the meantime be sure to follow @legendsofaeroo on instagram and @maeveofconnacht on x. You can also keep up to date with Maeve’s exploits on www.maeveofconnacht.com.
Dotted across Ireland, Britain, Spain, France, and Portugal are a fantastic collection of ancient Celtic structures that have survived the ravages of time.
From Iron Age forts to mysterious standing stones, these architectural and spiritual symbols of the Celts are a reminder of the power and influence that this culture once held.
If you’re interested in learning more about the ancient Celts and the awe-inspiring structures they left behind, visiting these sights is a must. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 best examples of Ancient Celtic Structures you should check out.
Who Were The Ancient Celts?
Before moving on to the list of ancient Celtic structures, it’s essential that we establish who the Celts were. First mentioned by Greek authors in around424 BC, the Celtic people were a collection of different tribes linked by culture, traditions, religious beliefs and a similar language. It’s important to note that the Celts were not a single tribe or nation but a vast network of tribes that spanned the entire continent. While most commonly associated with Ireland, Britain, Spain, France and Portugal, the Celts also had a strong presence in other parts of Europe, including what is now Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and the Balkans.
The fact that they were not a homogeneous group meant that the Celts had different customs, beliefs and practices in each region, constructing a wide range of structures from forts to religious sites. Many of these structures have survived the centuries and are now a cornerstone of European heritage.
20 Best Examples of Ancient Celtic Structures
To keep this list as simple and easy to read as possible, we’ll be breaking down the best Ancient Celtic Structures by location so it’s easy to find and add to your Must See list!
Newgrange, Meath, Ireland
Located in County Meath, Newgrange is a 5,000-year-old passage tomb that is widely believed to have been built by the Celts and their Neolithic ancestors. The site consists of a large mound with an inner chamber, surrounded by a series of stones and walls that make up the entrance to the tomb. Inside this chamber is an impressive 19-meter-long passage leading to a small burial chamber illuminated by the sun during the winter solstice. It’s believed that the site served as an essential centre for ritualistic and religious ceremonies — making it one of the most iconic sites in all of Ireland.
Dating back over 3000 years, Dún Aonghasa is located on the Aran Islands off Ireland’s west coast. The site itself is awe-inspiring, consisting of a three-tiered defensive wall, several dwellings and some of the most magnificent views available in Ireland. Dún Aonghasa was also an important centre for religious rites and ceremonies — making it a great place to learn more about Ancient Celtic culture.
Take a ferry from the west coast of Ireland in Clare or Galway and find out more about entry times here.
The Grianan of Aileach, Donegal
Greenan Fort, oGrianan of Aileach is a ringfort located on the summit of Greenan Mountain in County Donegal. Built around 1,500 BC by the Northern Uí Néill, this impressive stone fortress was occupied until 1608 and used as a political centre for several centuries. Celtic artwork can still be found on some of its inner walls — a testament to this site’s importance for Iron Age Celts. It’s also surrounded by stunning views of Inishowen and a wealth of archaeological sites, making it an excellent place to explore Ancient Celtic history.
The Hill of Tara, County Meath
Widely regarded as Ireland’s spiritual and cultural capital during the Iron Age and beyond, The Hill of Tara is located near the River Boyne in County Meath. This landlocked hill was once home to several royal residences for Gaelic kings and was also used as a site for rituals and festivals. All ancient roads of Ireland led to Tara, location of the 5000 year old passage grave known as ‘The Mound of The Hostages. Today, visitors can see the remains of various structures that would have once been used by Iron Age Celts, such as burial mounds, ringforts and causeways.
County Clare’s cultural and ecological importance has been recognised UNESCO. The Burren is a unique region of Ireland that is home to the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland, the iconic Poulnabrone dolmen.
Bordered by the impressive Cliffs of Moher, the area contains numerous limestone pavements, rock formations, archaeological monuments, megalithic tombs and other structures, some of which are thought to be associated with early Iron Age Celts. Since it is located in Burren National Park, visitors can also enjoy the area’s stunning beauty, drinking in County Clare’s breathtaking views.
Widely regarded as one of the best preserved, largest and most complex Iron Age hill forts in Great Britain, the occupation of the hill Maiden Castle was eventually built on can be traced as far back as 6,000 years ago. While the peoples of the early Neolithic period were responsible for the first occupation of the site, it was later expanded by the Celts in the Iron Age. A unique insight into the life of Iron Age Celts, Maiden Castle is a fascinating sight to behold. It is also located in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it an excellent place for a day trip.
The Calanais Standing Stones, also called the Callanish Stones, are located on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. These Neolithic standing stones, which are believed to have been erected between 3000 and 4000 BC, form a dramatic circle on a flat plain with 13 primary stones forming an even larger circle around four smaller clusters. While the exact purpose of Callanish Stones is unknown, it is generally accepted that they were used for rituals, religious purposes, or both. The stones are also incredibly well-preserved and offer a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
Located in Cornwall and known locally as the ‘crick stone’ or ‘holed stone’, Mên-an-Tol is an intriguing ancient site consisting of three large stones with a circular hole cut through it — and three smaller stones around them. It’s believed that the site was used for healing rituals and various fertility ceremonies. It’s believed the Celts erected the larger menhir and circles of stones for a religious purpose, while the holed stone was probably used as a healing tool. All on a beautiful landscape as you’ll see here.
Castell Henllys Iron Age Fort is an excellent example of an Iron Age Celtic fort located in the rolling hills of sunny Pembrokeshire, Wales. Built around 500 BC by the local Celts, this impressive defensive structure comprised many double-layer timber palisades and earthworks. Fully reconstructed in the 1980s, visitors to Castell Henllys can explore the various reconstructed roundhouses and learn about the everyday life of Iron Age Celts.
Located in the town of Carnac in Brittany, The Carnac Menhirs are an impressive collection of more than 3,000 megaliths — some standing as tall as four meters. These menhirs date back to at least 4500 BC and were thought to have been erected by either the Celts or their Neolithic ancestors. Many theories exist about the function of these stones; some suggest that they were used as astronomical or religious markers, while others believe that they may have been placed there as a form of territorial boundary.
A combination of charming medieval architecture and rustic Celtic structures, Locronan is a picturesque village located in Brittany’s Finistère department. The village originally played a significant role in local Celtic culture as the site of a Nemeton, a sacred pathway with stations symbolising the 12 months of the year. The best time to visit Locronan is during early July when the local Grande Troménie procession marches along 12km of the former Nemeton. While nominally a Catholic religious procession, the locals acknowledge its Celtic roots.
Roche-aux-fées Dolmen
La Roche-aux-Fées, which translates to ‘The Rock of Faries’ in English, is an impressive megalithic structure in France’s Brittany region. Built around 4,000 BC by pre-Iron Age Celts, the Dolmen consists of a large boulder resting on top of four other rocks — all topped off with a 7-meter-long capstone. The site is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes and, according to local Breton mythology, is home to the fairies who were thought to have built it.
Bibracte, Burgundy, France
One of France’s most important archaeological sites, Bibracte is an ancient Celtic city located atop Mont Beuvray in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Built during the Iron Age by the Aedui tribe, Bibracte was an essential centre for Celtic culture and commerce — with evidence pointing to it being occupied from as early as 600 BC.
In 58 BC it was also scene of the second and decisive battle in Julius Caesar’s first military campaign.
Today, visitors can explore the remains of a Celtic temple, a forum for public gatherings and several houses — all of which help to paint an exciting picture of life in Ancient Gaul at a site still being excavated.
One of the most important Celtic sites in the Iberian Peninsula, the Monte de Santa Tecla hill fort is located in northern Spain’s Galicia region.
Surrounded by a defensive wall and stone structures, this Iron Age site was built around 400 BC. It was used as an essential centre for trade, politics and religion — with evidence suggesting it was home to members of both Celtic and pre-Celtic cultures.
Located in the Galicia region, the Castro de Baroña is a large Iron Age hill fort with origins dating back to the 5th century BC. The site is home to numerous excavated remains of what would have once been Celtic structures, including a temple, several stone dwellings and an impressive defensive wall — all located in stunning scenery overlooking the Atlantic Coast.
Another excellently preserved Celtic site in Galicia, the Castro de Viladonga, is an abandoned hill fort near the town of Betanzos. Built between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC, this majestic Iron Age structure was once home to a thriving community — with evidence suggesting that it was occupied until as late as the 18th century. Today visitors can explore its remains which contain various artefacts and artwork relating to the Celts.
The Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, or Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, is an impressive megalithic structure located around 60km from the city of Évora. Built around 4500 BC, it is one of the largest dolmens in Europe and is located in a stunning setting surrounded by olive and cork trees. It has been suggested that this site was used for funerary or religious purposes — however, its true function remains a mystery.
A cromlech is a prehistoric stone circle consisting of menhirs arranged in a circular pattern — and the Almendres Cromlech is Portugal’s oldest such structure. Located just 8km from Évora, this megalithic site dates back to 6000 BC and once served as a centre for religious ceremonies or astronomical observations. Today it remains an impressive sight — with its 93 standing stones still in remarkably good condition.
While the vast majority of Celtic sites are found in the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal, there are also a few other places worth mentioning.
Židovar, Serbia
Židovar in Serbia hosts an incredible Iron Age hill fort dating back to the 4th century BC. Built by Celts who had migrated from Central Europe, this well-preserved site is one of few examples of Celtic structures that survived outside the core Celtic countries. Visitors can explore its remaining ruins, including a defensive wall and several dwellings, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the most famous Celtic sites in Europe, La Tène is a sprawling Iron Age archaeological complex located on the banks of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland. Built between 500 and 300 BC by Celts migrating from Central Europe, La Tène contains numerous ancient structures — including temples, dwellings and is a rich resource of Celtic artefacts, such as weapons, jewellery and pottery.
Visiting the Past
These 20 sites are just a few examples of the rich Celtic heritage that continues to exist throughout Europe today — offering visitors an insight into one of history’s most fascinating cultures. From stunning megaliths to grand hill forts, these sites are a testament to the importance of Celtic culture in Europe — and offer an unforgettable glimpse into our past.
The Celts, an ancient and enigmatic people, have left an indelible mark on the history and culture of Europe. The question of their origins has fascinated historians and archaeologists for centuries, and while there is still much debate, several theories have emerged.One prevailing theory suggests that the Celts originated from the Hallstatt culture, which thrived in Central Europe during the Late Bronze Age. This theory is supported by linguistic evidence, as Celtic languages are part of the larger Indo-European language family.Another theory proposes that the Celts migrated from the ancient Anatolian region, present-day Turkey, around 2000 BCE. This idea is based on similarities between the Celtic and Hittite languages and the presence of Celtic artifacts in Anatolia.
The Celtic Footprints Across Europe
As the Celts expanded and migrated across Europe, their influence permeated various regions, leaving behind a rich and diverse cultural legacy. Today, traces of Celtic heritage can still be found in many parts of Europe.Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall are often regarded as the heartlands of Celtic culture. The Gaelic languages spoken in these regions have strong Celtic roots, and traditional Celtic music, art, and folklore continue to thrive.In France, the region of Brittany stands as an enduring Celtic enclave. The Breton language, closely related to Welsh and Cornish, is still spoken by a significant number of residents. Festivals and celebrations showcasing Celtic traditions are a vibrant part of life in this coastal region.Further east, the legacy of the Celts can be found in the Alpine regions of Switzerland, Austria, and southern Germany. The town of Hallstatt, after which the Hallstatt culture was named, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Celtic artifacts.
A Celtic Tapestry Woven Across Europe
The Celts were a people who spread their influence far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the lands they inhabited. From the misty hills of Ireland to the majestic Alps, their cultural tapestry still resonates today. Exploring the Celtic legacy in Europe is a journey through time and a celebration of a vibrant and enduring heritage.Discovering the origins and scattered footprints of the Celts brings us closer to understanding the rich tapestry of European history. So, grab your magnifying glass and join us on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the Celts!
Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in what’s known as Ireland’s Boyne Valley, in County Meath. It is the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Newgrange is a Neolithic monument that was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
If you travel Ireland’s north, south, east or west the landscape still bears evidence of the Island’s Celtic heritage.
Because, unlike other civilisations, no-one wrote anything down, much of what is considered ‘known’ about these structures and their builders is drawn from deductions based on ongoing archaeological discoveries.
In this culture there existed the notion of an ‘Otherworld’ and celestial movements were studied for the impact they had on day to day life.
Many cultures also have the notion of ‘The Land of Everlasting Youth’ and great warriors who roamed the land at this time.
The concept of Legends of Aeroo has been developed by a Dublin, Ireland headquartered content business Ballywire Media.
The company plans to re-imagine some of the myths that exist in Irish and Celtic folklore for the modern age.
You can follow developments on social media for the latest. Here is the instagram link. Stay Tuned!
Welcome to our blog, where we invite you to embark on a journey through time and explore the enigmatic world of Poulanbrone Dolmen. This ancient structure, nestled in the picturesque county Carlow, is a testament to the remarkable architectural skills of our ancestors. Join us as we uncover the mysteries of this awe-inspiring dolmen and imagine the stories it holds.
The Meaning Behind the Stones
While no written records exist to provide us with a definitive understanding of the purpose of Poulanbrone Dolmen, it is believed to have served as a burial site or a sacred ceremonial space. The word ‘dolmen’ itself means ‘stone table’ in Breton, hinting at the possible functions of these megalithic structures.
As you stand before Poulanbrone Dolmen, take a moment to imagine the ancient rituals and traditions that may have taken place here. Feel the weight of the centuries, the energy of those who came before us, and let your imagination transport you to a time long gone.
The Art of Megalithic Engineering
The construction of Poulanbrone Dolmen is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of our ancestors. These dolmens were built thousands of years ago, using colossal stones carefully arranged to create a monumental structure. The massive capstone, supported by smaller upright stones, creates a sense of awe and wonder.
It is believed that our ancestors used a combination of tools such as levers, ramps, and pulleys to move these gigantic stones into position. The precision with which the stones were placed is a testament to the level of engineering knowledge possessed by the ancient builders.
As you explore Poulanbrone Dolmen, take a moment to admire the craftsmanship and dedication that went into its creation. Marvel at the sheer scale of the stones and the architectural genius that allowed these structures to stand the test of time.
Welcome to Skellig Michael, a place where time stands still and ancient wonders abound. Nestled off the coast of county Kerry, Ireland, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captured the imagination of visitors from around the globe. From its rugged terrain to its breathtaking views, Skellig Michael offers a truly unique experience that transports you to a bygone era.
As you set foot on the island, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe. The towering cliffs, the ancient stone structures, and the dramatic landscape all combine to create an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s no wonder that Skellig Michael was chosen as a filming location for the Star Wars franchise, as it truly feels like a planet from a galaxy far, far away.
Unlocking the Mysteries of Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael is more than just a picturesque island; it is a window into the past. The monastic settlement that once thrived here dates back to the 6th century, and its intricately designed beehive huts and stone staircases are a testament to the ingenuity of those who lived here.
But what makes Skellig Michael truly fascinating are the mysteries that still shroud it. How did the monks build their homes on these treacherous cliffs? What was the purpose of the beehive huts? And why did they choose such an isolated location for their settlement? These questions continue to intrigue historians and archaeologists, and visiting Skellig Michael is like embarking on a quest to uncover the secrets of the past.
Unforgettable Experiences on Skellig Michael
When you visit Skellig Michael, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in its rich history and breathtaking beauty. Ascend the stone steps that lead to the monastic settlement and marvel at the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the beehive huts and imagine what life was like for the monks who called this place home. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the puffins that inhabit the island during the summer months!
But Skellig Michael is not just a place for history buffs and nature lovers. It is a place for anyone seeking a sense of wonder and tranquility. The isolation of the island, combined with its ethereal beauty, creates a peacefulness that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether you’re meditating on the cliffside or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the pathways, Skellig Michael has a way of rejuvenating the soul.
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