The Céide Fields, situated west of Ballycastle in north Mayo, is one of the jewels in the West of Ireland.They contain the most extensive Stone Age site and the oldest known field systems in the world. The bog and size of the site make conventional archaeological techniques, such as the use of trenches, largely infeasible. The sheer scale of the site is an indication of the size of the population and the degree of organization that it would have taken to construct such fields. The Céide Fields, the largest Neolithic (Stone-Age) monument in the world, with field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs almost 6,000 years old. For this is not just another archaeological monument or visitor centre. Cliffs and Ceide Fields. Here you can indulge yourself in a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, dramatic cliffs and coastline. Here, stone walls encompassing a very large area have been discovered, lying intact beneath thousands of years of blanket bog. The 10k departs from the Céide Fields Visitor Centre and follows the coastal route back towards Ballycastle along the spectacular Céide Cliffs. While cutting peat bog for fuel, Patrick came across piles of dry-mortared stone stacks that he concluded were man-made and due to their location deep under the bog, ancient. Céide Fields overlooks the mighty Atlantic Ocean which gently laps or vigorously pounds – depending on the weather! The landscape itself has been forged from the dramatic upheaval of the earths crust over millions of years, and by the ferocious winds which frequent this exposed coast. When one thinks of Stone Age archaeological sites, Stonehenge, Altamira, and Newgrange may come to mind. The site is in UNESCO's … Read more: Into the west of Ireland - the Wild Atlantic Way story. It may not look like much more than a bog, ... Artifacts recovered at Ceide Fields tell a story of a much more advanced lifestyle than anyone previously suspected to have existed in Neolithic times. Céide Fields Beneath the wild bog lands of North Mayo lies Céide Fields, the most extensive stone age monument in the world which is soon to be classed as a World Heritage Site; with field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs of 5,000 years ago. At this discovery point of the Wild Atlantic Way, the spectacular view on the lookout on top of the rugged and imposing cliffs should not be missed. We know that the population participated in trade and therefore certainly had contact with various other peoples, as evidenced from a number of flint and Porcellanite (used for stone axes) finds from County Antrim in the north. I was skeptical of what might be so significant on the cliffs of Mayo. The Céide Fields overlook the mighty Atlantic Ocean which pounds vigorously against the cliffs below. The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, over five and a half millennia old. ... Wild Atlantic Way in 360: Surfing Below the Cliffs of Moher - Duration: 2:11. Ireland’s travel secrets: The Céide Fields Between 5,000 and 6,000 years old, this is the oldest field system in the world, right in north County Mayo. © Copyright 2021 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, over five and a half millennia old. The Céide Fields Visitors Centre in North Mayo will certainly give you a unique experience. The Céide Cliffs (on which the Céide Fields rest) are over 300 million years old and rise up to 370 feet above sea level. Most likely The Céide Fields will not. G0540: Cliffs at Ceide Fields taken 11 years ago, near to Glenulra, Mayo, Ireland. This combination of factors has resulted in the wild beauty and uniqueness of this region in County Mayo, Ireland. The Ceíde Fields (meaning “a flat topped hill” in Irish) is a Neolithic or Stone Age farmed landscape which dates around five thousand years ago. Inside there are cool exhibits, lots of info about the people who had been settled there and stuff about how being covered in bog preserved so much so well. Visitors are advised to wear weather protective clothing and footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain. It was a relatively slow decline, possibly occurring over centuries. Céide Fields. In this way, the main plan of the Céide Fields has been discerned. The Céide Fields is such an expansive site that these structures could lie undiscovered deep beneath the bog miles away. Céide Fields is an archaeological site with Neolithic remains of great historical interest. Fields Sleep Mountains Nature Travel Naturaleza Destinations Trips Nature Illustration. Although the origins of the bog are debated, it was certainly because of the bog that the Céide Fields became unsustainable. My experience in archaeology lay with the ancient Mediterranean world - the colossal monuments of Greece and Rome. Leave a Reply Cancel reply. The Céide Cliffs (on which the Céide Fields rest) are over 300 million years old and rise up to 370 feet above sea level. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. For this is not just another archaeological monument or visitor centre. The Céide Fields staff is impressive. On the eve of history, before the pyramids were built in Egypt, this heavily forested area was settled by a community that created a complex system of cultivated fields enclosed by stone walls and with adjoining villages. The price of admission is 3.50 euros for adults, 2.50 euros for seniors and groups and 1.25 for students and children. We're standing in the Céide Fields, a heritage site marking a patchwork of stone-walled fields, mostly buried in the bog, first noticed by his father, Patrick, while cutting turf in the 1930s. Prehistoric landscapes at Céide Fields This Neolithic landscape has the remains of stone walls, houses and megalithic tombs, all set in a wild blanket bog which stretches over several square miles. The Ceíde Fields (meaning “a flat topped hill” in Irish) is a Neolithic or Stone Age farmed landscape which dates around five thousand years ago. Céide Fields located beside spectacular 370ft high cliffs, not only presents the archaeology of the site but also the botany, bogs and geology of the area At Doonfeeny the route leaves the main road to do a challenging but scenic loop, passing the ruins of Doonfeeny Church and the magnificent Doonfeeny Standing Stone, one of … A number of sectional cuts have also been made into the bog, unearthing segments of these stone walls. Céide Fields – Stone Age field system and Visitor Centre . It was interesting to visit the Céide Fields. The experience of walking in these ancient fields makes you aware of these extraordinary stories and that is what Ceíde Fields is about. Interestingly, the bog is already reclaiming these sections. The centre not only presents the archaeology of the site but also the botany, bogs and geology of the area. Ceide Fields, County Mayo Picture: Belderrig Cliffs - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,265 candid photos and videos. Read more: Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and Belfast voted among must-see destinations of the 2020s. The landscape itself has been forged from the dramatic upheaval and movement of the Earths crust over millions of years. The warm Gulf Stream comes up past the American continent between Ireland and Iceland. The Visitor Centre has won several awards, including the Gold Medal for architecture. At the Céide Fields, there is something of interest for everyone, be it history, botany, geology, award-winning architecture, or the center's tearoom. Prehistoric landscapes at Céide Fields This Neolithic landscape has the remains of stone walls, houses and megalithic tombs, all set in a wild blanket bog which stretches over several square miles. You’ll pass medieval castles, stunning cliffs, and an epic coastal landscape, the likes of which legends are made of. Covered in blanket bog, with its unique vegetation and wildlife, the area has been selectively and sensitively excavated since its discovery in the 1930’s by a local schoolteacher while cutting turf for fuel. Ceide Fields, County Mayo Picture: Cliffs of the Ceide Fields - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,258 candid photos and videos of Ceide Fields The discovery of what is now known as Céide Fields really began back in the 1930s when a local schoolteacher, Patrick Caulfield from Belderrig, often noticed piles of stones in the bottom of the bog when cutting his turf. For more information visit www.heritageireland.ie/en/west/ceidefields. 2 reviews of Céide Fields Visitor Centre "This place is so cool. Indulge yourself in a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, dramatic cliffs and coastline, and visit the multi-award winning Céide Fields Interpretative Centre. Céide Fields overlooks the mighty Atlantic Ocean which gently laps or vigorously pounds – depending on the weather! ... Across the road from the Visitor Centre is a viewing platform where you can see the spectacular 110m cliffs on the wild coastline. It is located beside spectacular 370 foot high cliffs, five miles west of Ballycastle. It is certainly possible that their interaction with neighboring groups was completely peaceful, but it is unlikely. This is the largest Neolithic excavation site in the world. The Céide Fields in North Mayo will certainly give you a unique experience. Also Ceíde Fields Cliffs tell the story of the earth through their geology and botany. Cliffs at Ceide Fields by Michael Foley Photography. The Céide Fields Neolithic Site and Visitor Centre 3rd January 2020 2 Mins Read The incredible neolithic site at Céide Fields atop the spectacular sea cliffs near Ballycastle County Mayo, Ireland, contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world – dating back an incredible 6,000 years. But it should. Ceide Fields, County Mayo Picture: cliffs - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,267 candid photos and videos. Check out this week's, The Céide Fields, in County Mayo. The area, at the time of the stone enclosures' construction, was a dense primeval forest filled with animals that today can only be found in Ireland's museums, including wolves, brown bears, and boars. Others feel it was the human impact on the forested environment that permitted the necessary conditions for the bog. The Céide Fields are the world’s oldest known farm system, at approx 6,000 years old. G0540: Cliffs at Ceide Fields taken 11 years ago, near to Glenulra, Mayo, Ireland. The soaring Céide Cliffs keep this ancient world safe from the buffeting waves of the Atlantic. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Céide Fields North Mayo is the home to the amazing Ceide fieds. Céide Fields. The Céide Cliffs (on which the Céide Fields rest) are over 300 million years old and rise up to 370 feet above sea level. Using various dating methods, it was discovered that the creation and development of the Céide Fields goes back some five and a half thousand years. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife. The Fields are almost completely concealed underneath a blanket bog, which has safeguarded the site from both natural and human destructive forces, is that it is hard to erode or loot something under four meters of densely packed plant matter. This dates … Ceide Fields, County Mayo Picture: Mayo cliffs - Check out Tripadvisor members' 1,258 candid photos and videos. Neither was I sure, given the treacherous nature of the cliff-side Irish road, that I would arrive. I didn't know that there was such as important location here in the west of Ireland. There is a large carpark and overflow parking. That we are now learning its secrets is thanks to an observant local school teacher, Patrick Caulfield. The Céide Fields Neolithic Site and Visitor Centre 3rd January 2020 2 Mins Read The incredible neolithic site at Céide Fields atop the spectacular sea cliffs near Ballycastle County Mayo, Ireland, contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world – dating back an incredible 6,000 years. 2:41. Some believe that it was a change in climate or a high amount of rainfall that eroded the soil's nutrients enabling the growth of bog-forming plants that require minimum sustenance and thrive in saturated conditions. The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world. There are also dramatic cliffs and views out over the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful scenic Half Marathon route, hosted by Ballycastle Athletic Club, Co. Mayo takes you along the wild, rugged North Mayo Céide Coast, where you’ll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, the breathtaking Céide Cliffs, Ballycastle Beach and Dún Briste (The Broken Fort), our famous sea-stack at Downpatrick Head. Although this is a tempting and agreeable hypothesis, it is argued from a position of lack of evidence rather than proof positive. Straight across from the wonderful visitor centre and its carpark is a viewing platform out over the North Mayo cliffs. The site is one of the most historically significant on the planet. The Céide Fields overlook the mighty Atlantic Ocean which pounds vigorously against the cliffs below. Céide Fields. The remarkable neolithic site at Céide Fields in County Mayo, Ireland, contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world – dating back nearly 6,000 years. The Céide Fields is an archaeological site on the north County Mayo coast in the west of Ireland, about 7 kilometres northwest of Ballycastle. What brings tourists to Ireland over and over again? Seamus discovered an oval enclosure within which there were a number of postholes for roof supports. The lands around Ballycastle and to the east, along Killala Bay, were not affected by the rising bog, and it is likely that many of the Céide Fields' inhabitants relocated not far from the area. The Céide Fields, the largest Neolithic (Stone-Age) monument in the world, with field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs almost 6,000 years old. "Ceide Fields was a farming countryside of typical stone-walled fields that has been preserved just as it was fifty centuries ago. Cliffs at Céide Fields, from viewing platform. Image of beautiful, vacation, destination - 21008081 Frances Mulraney And if you go in the summer there are beautiful wildflowers and I hear a bit of sunshine. ... Belderrig, nr Ceide Fields - Duration: 2:41. Cliffs at Ceide Fields by Michael Foley Photography. Site designed by, The remarkable neolithic site at Céide Fields in County Mayo, Ireland, contains the oldest known. This is both a blessing and a curse for the archaeologists, including my guide, Gretta Byrne. The Céide Fields, the largest Neolithic (Stone-Age) monument in the world, with field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs almost 6,000 years old. Immediately opposite the Ceide Fields site, is a viewing platform from which it is possible to gain a commanding view of the sheer sea cliffs. Patrick Caulfield, a local schoolteacher, first discovered the site during the 1930s. The center houses exhibits on not only the site's human history but also its rich geological and botanical records. 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