Irish Archaeology: Neolithic Monuments and Megalithic Tombs

Irish Archaeology: Neolithic Monuments and Megalithic Tombs

Introduction

Irish archaeology is a rich and fascinating subject that encompasses a variety of monument types and cultures, from the Neolithic period to the Iron Age. In this article, we will focus on the Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs found in Ireland, which are some of the earliest examples of monumental architecture in Europe. We will discuss the different types of Megalithic tombs, their distribution across the country, and their historical significance.

Neolithic Monuments

The Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, began around 3000 BCE in Ireland. This era is marked by the appearance of farming communities, which can be seen in the remains of long-barrow burial sites, such as court tombs and portal tombs.

Court Tombs

Court tombs, also known as lobster-claw cairns, are rectangular chambers with a low dry-stone wall surrounding them and tall orthostats at the ends. They have an east-facing entrance court that leads into the chambers, which are roofed by corbelling. The chambers may contain inhumations and cremated remains.

Portal Tombs

Portal tombs, also known as dolmens, are characterized by their straight-sided chambers and tall portal stones marking the entrance. The tomb entrances often face east towards the sunrise, although this is not always the case.

Megalithic Tombs

Megalithic tombs are a significant part of Ireland's archaeological heritage, with over 1,000 examples recorded across the country. These tombs are typically classified into four types: court cairns, passage tombs, portal tombs, and wedge tombs.

Passage Tombs

Passage tombs are large mounds of earth or stone with a narrow passage leading from the outside to a central chamber or chambers, such as Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth.

Wedge Tombs

Wedge tombs are characterized by their sloping roof and narrowing walls at one end, producing their characteristic wedge shape. They are primarily found in the west and north-west of Ireland.

Distribution by Province

The distribution of Megalithic tombs across Ireland is fairly even, with a significant number of tombs found in all provinces. The number and location of tombs in each province are recorded by the Irish National Monument Service (Republic of Ireland) and the Northern Ireland Sites & Monuments Record (Northern Ireland). The distribution of each type of tomb, by province, can be summarized as follows:

Conclusion

The Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs found in Ireland provide valuable insights into the country's ancient past. These structures showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the people who built them and offer clues about their culture, beliefs, and way of life. By studying these monuments, we can better understand the history of Ireland and the role it played in the development of European civilization.

Explore the fascinating world of Irish archaeology, delving into the history and significance of Neolithic monuments and Megalithic tombs found in Ireland, including court tombs, passage tombs, portal tombs, and wedge tombs.