Prehistoric Ireland

ancient history · archaeology · Ireland · early humans

Humans arrived late. People first settled in Ireland around 10,500 BC, much later than in most other parts of Europe. They had to wait for the ice age to end before they could survive there.

Stone to metal. Prehistoric Irish people lived through the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age. Each period brought new tools and ways of living, from simple stone tools to weapons made of bronze and iron.

No Roman conquest. While Romans invaded and took over much of Europe, they never conquered Ireland. This meant Ireland's written history started much later, around 400 AD, when Christianity arrived instead.

Long time span. Prehistoric Ireland lasted about 10,900 years, from 10,500 BC until around 400 AD. That's more than twice as long as written Irish history so far.