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!
The Celtic world is a tapestry of mystery, enchantment, and ancient wonders. Across the landscapes of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, and Continental Europe, we find breathtaking structures that have stood the test of time. These impressive sites, from stone circles to hill forts, hold secrets waiting to be discovered.
One such site is Stonehenge, standing proudly on the Salisbury Plain in England. Its mystical arrangement of massive stones continues to intrigue archaeologists and historians alike. Was it a celestial observatory, a sacred burial ground, or an ancient ceremonial site? The enigmatic purpose of Stonehenge invites us to delve into the depths of our imagination.
Unraveling the Stories of Celtic Legends
Beyond the stones themselves, the Celtic world is rich with mythical tales and legends. Let us embark on a journey into the realms of folklore and mysticism, where gods, goddesses, and heroes roam.
One legend that permeates Celtic lore is that of the great warrior queen Boudicca. Fierce and determined, she led a rebellion against the Roman Empire in ancient Britain. Her story symbolizes the power and resilience of the Celtic people, and illustrates their unwavering spirit of independence.
Reimagining the Ancient Celtic Past
While the true meanings behind these ancient structures and legends may forever remain a mystery, we can still weave our own stories inspired by the Celtic world. Let us reimagine the lives of the ancient Celts, their rituals, and their connections to the mystical forces of nature.
Through our imagination, we can bring these ancient sites and legendary figures back to life, breathing new energy into their stories. By immersing ourselves in the wonders of the Celtic world, we honor the enduring legacy of a civilization that continues to captivate and inspire.
Step into the mystical world of the Celts, where ancient wonders dot the landscape, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. From the awe-inspiring stone circles of Ireland to the exquisite hillforts of Scotland, these remarkable structures hold secrets that have puzzled historians for centuries.
One such enigma is the famous Stonehenge, a masterpiece of engineering and astronomical understanding. How did our Celtic ancestors manage to construct such an awe-inspiring monument? Was it a place of spiritual significance or a celestial calendar? While the answers may elude us, the sense of wonder it evokes is undeniable.
Tales from the Celtic Past
Immerse yourself in the captivating tales inspired by the ancient Celtic world. Through the ages, these stories have been passed down, breathing life into the myths and legends of a bygone era.
Journey with us as we explore the legend of King Arthur, the noble warrior who defended Britain against the Saxon invaders. Discover the mystical Isle of Avalon, said to be the final resting place of this legendary king. The tales of Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table continue to captivate our imaginations, reminding us of the valor and honor of the Celtic people.
Another intriguing Celtic myth is that of the Dagda, the great father figure of the gods. With his mighty club, he could control the seasons and wield great power. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology, where gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, shape-shifters and magical creatures intertwine.
Embracing the Celtic Spirit Today
While the ancient Celts may be long gone, their spirit lives on in the hearts of those who cherish their heritage. Explore the vibrant Celtic festivals and traditions that continue to thrive in modern times.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Celtic music, where haunting melodies and foot-stomping rhythms transport you to another realm. Let the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of Celtic art mesmerize you, and discover the age-old techniques that are still practiced by contemporary artisans.
Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of the Celts and delve into the mysteries that still captivate our imagination. Unravel the threads of the ancient Celtic world and discover the hidden wonders that await.
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