Archaeological evidence here is used to help build up a picture of the lives led by the people of which it is a record. The contents include a description of primitive settlements, leading up to an account of the art, trade and civilization generally of early ages prior to the Celtic invasion and up to the end of Medieval times. Two chapters take narratives from the time and analyse them against physical evidence and consider what they tell us alongside that information. Many often overlooked facts are brought to the fore and special attention is paid to the overwhelming influence of climate in shaping human destiny. Originally published in 1935, this book is as enlightening today.

This engaging book traces the history, archaeology, and legends of ancient Ireland from 9000 B.C., when nomadic hunter-gatherers appeared in Ireland at the end of the last Ice Age to 1167 A.D., when a Norman invasion brought the country under control of the English crown for the first time. So much of what people today accept as ancient Irish history-Celtic invaders from Europe turning Ireland into a Celtic nation; St. Patrick driving the snakes from Ireland and converting its people to Christianity-is myth and legend with little basis in reality. The truth is more interesting. The Irish, as the authors show, are not even Celtic in an archaeological sense. And there were plenty of bishops in Ireland before a British missionary called Patrick arrived. But In Search of Ancient Ireland is not simply the story of events from long ago. Across Ireland today are festivals, places, and folk customs that provide a tangible link to events thousands of years past. The authors visit and describe many of these places and festivals, talking to a wide variety of historians, scholars, poets, and storytellers in the very settings where history happened. Thus the book is also a journey on the ground to uncover ten thousand years of Irish identity. In Search of Ancient Ireland is the official companion to the three-part PBS documentary series. With 14 black-and-white photos, 6 b&w illustrations, and 1 map.

This vintage book contains a detailed account of the schools and scholars of ancient Ireland from the time of St. Patrick down to the Anglo-Norman Invasion. This volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in Irish history and would make for a fantastic addition to collections of allied literature. Contents include: "Learning of the Druids", "Religious Worship", "Sacrifice of Human Victims", "Worship of the Elements", "Enchantments", "Acquaintance with Letters", "Sun-Worship", "THE BARDS", "The Files", "The Ollamh-Poet", "Historic Poet", "Neidhe", et cetera. John Healy (1841-1918) was an Irish Roman Catholic bishop. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction.

Index of archaeological papers published in 1891, under the direction of the Congress of Archaeological Societies in union with the Society of Antiquaries.