archaeological ireland

"For the late Stone Age, Knowth was one of Europe's gretest public buildings. To describe it as a massive and majestic masterpiece that reflected the pride and pomp of contemporary society is not an exaggeration"....

Take the Collooney-Sligo road to the second signpost left for Lavagh and the Ox Mountains Drive. As you approach this turn the distinctive shape of Knock-Na-Shee looms up before you. Recent aerial photography of the mountain has revealed contours which suggest that one of the biggest Stone Age burial grounds in Europe lies beneath the surface of this "Hill of the Fairies", - the English translation of the Irish name. There is a pitch and putt course to your left before you turn for Lavagh....

An exceptionally fine portal-tome or dolmen, prominent on the skyline 1/4 mile to the east of the main road, 4 miles north-north-west of Ardara. It well displays the classic features from which this type of monument derives its name. The matched portal stones and gracefully uptilted capstone (nearly 20 feet long and one of the largest in Ireland) oversailing the chamber entrance convey a sense of architectural awareness on the part of the builders and its streamlined profile has inspired numer...

Probably an Iron Age sanctuary originally, this was later to become the inauguration place of the O'Neill chieftains of Tyrone. Here at the clan seat of O'Hagan, hereditary stewards to the O'Neills, the ceremony was conducted in the presence of the assembled under-chiefs, with the recipient installed in an ancient stone chair said to have been blessed by St. Patrick. The Great Hugh O'Neill was himself thus enthroned at Tullaghoge in 1593. That the inauguration chair, a rough construction of s...

One of the most spectacular megalithic tombs of the distinctive south Leinster group, a stately Neolithic mausoleum, 'remarkable', to quote Borlase, 'for its solidity, and the perfect carrying out of a unity of design'. As a scheduled National Monument it is entitled to better care than it currently receives. 'It stands neglected in a corner of the disused burial ground of Kilburrin, 4 miles south-south-west of Waterford city, its great lichen encrusted stones emerging from a tangle of overgrow...

The monastery was founded by St Moling who died in 696. Active in politics, he succeeded in convincing the Leinstermen to let the Munstermen off the Borama, a triditional tribute of cattle which they were forced to pay. St.. Moiling is said to have been Bishop of Ferns and also of Glendalough. The kings of south Leinster, including the McMurrough Kavanaghs, were buried here. St. Mullin's Abbey is a medieval nave-and-chancel church with spiral staircase. Near it are the stump of a Round Tower,...

Archives are viewed by appointment only. Contact  the number above for more information....

TOUR A Leaving from Kiltimagh will travel to North Mayo area passing through Cill Aodain (home of Raftery the Poet) and stopping at - Fort in Carrowkeel - Monastic site in Bohola - Ballylahan Castle - Foxford Town - Mount Falcon Castle - House - Ballina Town - Moyne Town - Killala Round Tower and Town - Brestagh Ogham Stone - Kilcummin Beach (Landing Place of French forces in 1798) - Downpatrick Head - Promontory Fort and Swallow Holes - Return to Kiltimagh

TOUR B L...

Knockma, the great - Hill of Maeve - is situated 8km west of Tuam. Maeve, the legendary Queen of Connacht, and Ceasair, one of the earliest colonists of Ireland, are reputed to be buried in the cairns on the summit of the hill.

Tradition as well as popular superstition, also points to Knockma as the home of fairy legend for here Finvarra, the King of the Connacht fairies, is reputed to hold his court. From the summit of Knockma may be obtained one of the grandest panoramic views in Ire...