Tuatha
@tuatha.ie
Explore Ireland with us! Visitor guides, itineraries, courses, events — created by archaeologists for people who really want to get under the skin of Ireland.
Start your Irish archaeological adventure:
https://www.tuatha.ie/
(pics all our own work)
Start your Irish archaeological adventure:
https://www.tuatha.ie/
(pics all our own work)
Lámh Laichtín • The Shrine of St Lachtin's Arm
This remarkable shrine in the shape of a forearm dates to around c.1120.
A hollow in the shrine is believed to have held the arm bone of St. Lachtin, a saint of the 6th century.
(some additional detail in the Alt-Text)
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
This remarkable shrine in the shape of a forearm dates to around c.1120.
A hollow in the shrine is believed to have held the arm bone of St. Lachtin, a saint of the 6th century.
(some additional detail in the Alt-Text)
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
November 28, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Lámh Laichtín • The Shrine of St Lachtin's Arm
This remarkable shrine in the shape of a forearm dates to around c.1120.
A hollow in the shrine is believed to have held the arm bone of St. Lachtin, a saint of the 6th century.
(some additional detail in the Alt-Text)
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
This remarkable shrine in the shape of a forearm dates to around c.1120.
A hollow in the shrine is believed to have held the arm bone of St. Lachtin, a saint of the 6th century.
(some additional detail in the Alt-Text)
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
Thanks a million! Really appreciated 🙏
November 28, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Thanks a million! Really appreciated 🙏
Cruachan Aí • Rathcroghan
While Rathcroghan Mound has never been excavated, it has been carefully surveyed using a variety of techniques. The surveys revealed that under its relatively simple appearance today, it has a complicated, complex inner story - much like us all!
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
While Rathcroghan Mound has never been excavated, it has been carefully surveyed using a variety of techniques. The surveys revealed that under its relatively simple appearance today, it has a complicated, complex inner story - much like us all!
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
November 27, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Cruachan Aí • Rathcroghan
While Rathcroghan Mound has never been excavated, it has been carefully surveyed using a variety of techniques. The surveys revealed that under its relatively simple appearance today, it has a complicated, complex inner story - much like us all!
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
While Rathcroghan Mound has never been excavated, it has been carefully surveyed using a variety of techniques. The surveys revealed that under its relatively simple appearance today, it has a complicated, complex inner story - much like us all!
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
Broadleas Stone Circle • Kildare
This unusual stone circle is set on the summit of a small hill.
It is an evocative place, and part of a fascinating swathe of monuments along the borderlands of Kildare and Wicklow, clearly an important landscape in our prehistoric past.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
This unusual stone circle is set on the summit of a small hill.
It is an evocative place, and part of a fascinating swathe of monuments along the borderlands of Kildare and Wicklow, clearly an important landscape in our prehistoric past.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
November 26, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Broadleas Stone Circle • Kildare
This unusual stone circle is set on the summit of a small hill.
It is an evocative place, and part of a fascinating swathe of monuments along the borderlands of Kildare and Wicklow, clearly an important landscape in our prehistoric past.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
This unusual stone circle is set on the summit of a small hill.
It is an evocative place, and part of a fascinating swathe of monuments along the borderlands of Kildare and Wicklow, clearly an important landscape in our prehistoric past.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
The past is always present on the beautiful island of Inis Oírr. This is just one of the wonderful wealth of monuments that are featured on our itinerary, available now for Tuatha Members.
Not a member yet? Start your Irish archaeological adventure today!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
Not a member yet? Start your Irish archaeological adventure today!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
November 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The past is always present on the beautiful island of Inis Oírr. This is just one of the wonderful wealth of monuments that are featured on our itinerary, available now for Tuatha Members.
Not a member yet? Start your Irish archaeological adventure today!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
Not a member yet? Start your Irish archaeological adventure today!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
Interestingly, this same mound was used for burial again over a thousand later in the early medieval period, when 24 stone lined graves were inserted into Cnoc Raithní.
November 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Interestingly, this same mound was used for burial again over a thousand later in the early medieval period, when 24 stone lined graves were inserted into Cnoc Raithní.
Cnoc Raithní • Inis Oírr
This unusual feature, with its two upstanding pillar stones, marks a burial mound that was rediscovered and excavated in 1885 after a storm blew away the sand that covered it.
The dig revealed Bronze Age urns and human remains that were dated to c.1500 BC.
#Ireland
This unusual feature, with its two upstanding pillar stones, marks a burial mound that was rediscovered and excavated in 1885 after a storm blew away the sand that covered it.
The dig revealed Bronze Age urns and human remains that were dated to c.1500 BC.
#Ireland
November 25, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Cnoc Raithní • Inis Oírr
This unusual feature, with its two upstanding pillar stones, marks a burial mound that was rediscovered and excavated in 1885 after a storm blew away the sand that covered it.
The dig revealed Bronze Age urns and human remains that were dated to c.1500 BC.
#Ireland
This unusual feature, with its two upstanding pillar stones, marks a burial mound that was rediscovered and excavated in 1885 after a storm blew away the sand that covered it.
The dig revealed Bronze Age urns and human remains that were dated to c.1500 BC.
#Ireland
Since an early monastery was founded in this secluded valley by St Feichín in the 7th century, Fore has been well regarded as one of Ireland's most intact and important historic landscapes.
So, in today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a look at what makes Fore so wonderful!
So, in today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a look at what makes Fore so wonderful!
November 24, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Since an early monastery was founded in this secluded valley by St Feichín in the 7th century, Fore has been well regarded as one of Ireland's most intact and important historic landscapes.
So, in today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a look at what makes Fore so wonderful!
So, in today's edition of our #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a look at what makes Fore so wonderful!
Annagh Stone Row • Mayo
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
November 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Annagh Stone Row • Mayo
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
Though typically thought of as a place of Christian pilgrimage, the hinterland of Croagh Patrick has long been a sacred place.
This can be inferred from the number of prehistoric monuments in the immediate hinterland of the mountain. Like this stone alignment at Annagh.
It's such a joy to spend the day in good company exploring some of our wonderful heritage. I'm already looking forward to our next outing!
If you fancy joining us, you'd be most welcome. You can sign up here:
www.tuatha.ie/join/
If you fancy joining us, you'd be most welcome. You can sign up here:
www.tuatha.ie/join/
November 22, 2025 at 8:19 PM
It's such a joy to spend the day in good company exploring some of our wonderful heritage. I'm already looking forward to our next outing!
If you fancy joining us, you'd be most welcome. You can sign up here:
www.tuatha.ie/join/
If you fancy joining us, you'd be most welcome. You can sign up here:
www.tuatha.ie/join/
We had a wonderful day for our Tuatha Tour of Fore today!
We discussed the important prehistoric landscape of this sheltered valley, St Féichín's early monastery, and the expansive Benedictine Priory founded by Hugh de Lacy in the late 12th century, as well as the medieval walled town.
We discussed the important prehistoric landscape of this sheltered valley, St Féichín's early monastery, and the expansive Benedictine Priory founded by Hugh de Lacy in the late 12th century, as well as the medieval walled town.
November 22, 2025 at 8:19 PM
We had a wonderful day for our Tuatha Tour of Fore today!
We discussed the important prehistoric landscape of this sheltered valley, St Féichín's early monastery, and the expansive Benedictine Priory founded by Hugh de Lacy in the late 12th century, as well as the medieval walled town.
We discussed the important prehistoric landscape of this sheltered valley, St Féichín's early monastery, and the expansive Benedictine Priory founded by Hugh de Lacy in the late 12th century, as well as the medieval walled town.
In the late 18th century, men were digging a drain at the edge of the lake of Loughnashade in the shadow of Emain Macha, Navan Fort, in County Armagh.
They made a truly spectacular discovery, four enormous sheet bronze horns or trumpets, dating to around 100 BC, along with human remains.
They made a truly spectacular discovery, four enormous sheet bronze horns or trumpets, dating to around 100 BC, along with human remains.
November 21, 2025 at 7:27 PM
In the late 18th century, men were digging a drain at the edge of the lake of Loughnashade in the shadow of Emain Macha, Navan Fort, in County Armagh.
They made a truly spectacular discovery, four enormous sheet bronze horns or trumpets, dating to around 100 BC, along with human remains.
They made a truly spectacular discovery, four enormous sheet bronze horns or trumpets, dating to around 100 BC, along with human remains.
Audley's Castle • Down
This 15th century towerhouse is set on a prominent rocky knoll that overlooks Strangford Lough.
Game of Thrones fans might recognise the landscape. It features as the battlefield where Rob Stark first meets Talisa.
A meeting that would eventually lead to a red wedding.
This 15th century towerhouse is set on a prominent rocky knoll that overlooks Strangford Lough.
Game of Thrones fans might recognise the landscape. It features as the battlefield where Rob Stark first meets Talisa.
A meeting that would eventually lead to a red wedding.
November 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Audley's Castle • Down
This 15th century towerhouse is set on a prominent rocky knoll that overlooks Strangford Lough.
Game of Thrones fans might recognise the landscape. It features as the battlefield where Rob Stark first meets Talisa.
A meeting that would eventually lead to a red wedding.
This 15th century towerhouse is set on a prominent rocky knoll that overlooks Strangford Lough.
Game of Thrones fans might recognise the landscape. It features as the battlefield where Rob Stark first meets Talisa.
A meeting that would eventually lead to a red wedding.
Back from the beautiful Ards Peninsula in County Down.
Such a stunning landscape, especially when lit with the low November sun. And a whole host of incredible monuments to explore.
Full heads, hearts, and memory cards after that!
Such a stunning landscape, especially when lit with the low November sun. And a whole host of incredible monuments to explore.
Full heads, hearts, and memory cards after that!
November 19, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Back from the beautiful Ards Peninsula in County Down.
Such a stunning landscape, especially when lit with the low November sun. And a whole host of incredible monuments to explore.
Full heads, hearts, and memory cards after that!
Such a stunning landscape, especially when lit with the low November sun. And a whole host of incredible monuments to explore.
Full heads, hearts, and memory cards after that!
In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we visit an atmospheric and evocative medieval chapel in County Westmeath.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #DiscoverIreland
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #DiscoverIreland
November 17, 2025 at 6:12 PM
In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we visit an atmospheric and evocative medieval chapel in County Westmeath.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #DiscoverIreland
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #DiscoverIreland
Poulnabrone • The Burren
Situated in the heart of the Burren, Poulnabrone is one of Ireland's earliest dated megalithic tombs.
During excavations, the co-mingled remains of at least 36 individuals were recovered from the tomb chamber, largely dating from c.3800–3200 BC.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
Situated in the heart of the Burren, Poulnabrone is one of Ireland's earliest dated megalithic tombs.
During excavations, the co-mingled remains of at least 36 individuals were recovered from the tomb chamber, largely dating from c.3800–3200 BC.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
November 16, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Poulnabrone • The Burren
Situated in the heart of the Burren, Poulnabrone is one of Ireland's earliest dated megalithic tombs.
During excavations, the co-mingled remains of at least 36 individuals were recovered from the tomb chamber, largely dating from c.3800–3200 BC.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
Situated in the heart of the Burren, Poulnabrone is one of Ireland's earliest dated megalithic tombs.
During excavations, the co-mingled remains of at least 36 individuals were recovered from the tomb chamber, largely dating from c.3800–3200 BC.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
Our Wicklow Vales and Valleys Itinerary is available now to all members of Tuatha.
Not a member yet? Come and join us today to start your adventure!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
Not a member yet? Come and join us today to start your adventure!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
November 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Our Wicklow Vales and Valleys Itinerary is available now to all members of Tuatha.
Not a member yet? Come and join us today to start your adventure!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
Not a member yet? Come and join us today to start your adventure!
www.tuatha.ie/join/
At this time of year, just before the last of the leaves fall, I love to spend time in County Wicklow.
Our itinerary is focused around the beautiful vales and valleys of the mountains, with Glendalough as the centrepiece.
It's an ideal weekend excursion, or dwell longer to enjoy longer hikes
Our itinerary is focused around the beautiful vales and valleys of the mountains, with Glendalough as the centrepiece.
It's an ideal weekend excursion, or dwell longer to enjoy longer hikes
November 15, 2025 at 11:55 AM
At this time of year, just before the last of the leaves fall, I love to spend time in County Wicklow.
Our itinerary is focused around the beautiful vales and valleys of the mountains, with Glendalough as the centrepiece.
It's an ideal weekend excursion, or dwell longer to enjoy longer hikes
Our itinerary is focused around the beautiful vales and valleys of the mountains, with Glendalough as the centrepiece.
It's an ideal weekend excursion, or dwell longer to enjoy longer hikes
'The Irish always carry an axe in their hand as if it were a staff… From the axe, there is always anxiety. If you think you are free from anxiety, you are not free from an axe.'
Giraldus Cambrensis, Topographia Hibernica c1185.
12-13th century axe from Donegal, and an illustration from Topographia
Giraldus Cambrensis, Topographia Hibernica c1185.
12-13th century axe from Donegal, and an illustration from Topographia
November 14, 2025 at 7:53 PM
'The Irish always carry an axe in their hand as if it were a staff… From the axe, there is always anxiety. If you think you are free from anxiety, you are not free from an axe.'
Giraldus Cambrensis, Topographia Hibernica c1185.
12-13th century axe from Donegal, and an illustration from Topographia
Giraldus Cambrensis, Topographia Hibernica c1185.
12-13th century axe from Donegal, and an illustration from Topographia
Here you can see the remains of a round tower, and an unusual stone tomb shrine. It is shaped like a miniature church, and carved from a single block of sandstone.
This shrine may have originally housed the relics of St Tighearnach himself, though it was probably made centuries after his life.
This shrine may have originally housed the relics of St Tighearnach himself, though it was probably made centuries after his life.
November 13, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Here you can see the remains of a round tower, and an unusual stone tomb shrine. It is shaped like a miniature church, and carved from a single block of sandstone.
This shrine may have originally housed the relics of St Tighearnach himself, though it was probably made centuries after his life.
This shrine may have originally housed the relics of St Tighearnach himself, though it was probably made centuries after his life.
Tomb Shrine and Round Tower • Clones • Monaghan
The market town of Clones developed from an early monastery founded by St Tighearnach in the 6th century.
Though much of the original monastery has been lost, echoes of Clones’ early roots can still be discovered, especially in the old graveyard.
The market town of Clones developed from an early monastery founded by St Tighearnach in the 6th century.
Though much of the original monastery has been lost, echoes of Clones’ early roots can still be discovered, especially in the old graveyard.
November 13, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Tomb Shrine and Round Tower • Clones • Monaghan
The market town of Clones developed from an early monastery founded by St Tighearnach in the 6th century.
Though much of the original monastery has been lost, echoes of Clones’ early roots can still be discovered, especially in the old graveyard.
The market town of Clones developed from an early monastery founded by St Tighearnach in the 6th century.
Though much of the original monastery has been lost, echoes of Clones’ early roots can still be discovered, especially in the old graveyard.
Muckross Friary • Killarney • Kerry
This Franciscan friary was founded by Donal McCarthy Mór in around c.1445. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
This extensive and well-preserved complex is set close to the eastern shore of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
This Franciscan friary was founded by Donal McCarthy Mór in around c.1445. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
This extensive and well-preserved complex is set close to the eastern shore of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
November 12, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Muckross Friary • Killarney • Kerry
This Franciscan friary was founded by Donal McCarthy Mór in around c.1445. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
This extensive and well-preserved complex is set close to the eastern shore of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
This Franciscan friary was founded by Donal McCarthy Mór in around c.1445. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
This extensive and well-preserved complex is set close to the eastern shore of Lough Leane in Killarney National Park.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm
The song was written in the late 18th or early 19th century. It mourns the loss of a way of life and a landscape, recounting the death of Margaret Butler, Viscountess Iveagh (d. 1744) and the subsequent decline of the once-proud castle, and the felling of the last of the historic woodland.
November 11, 2025 at 5:56 PM
The song was written in the late 18th or early 19th century. It mourns the loss of a way of life and a landscape, recounting the death of Margaret Butler, Viscountess Iveagh (d. 1744) and the subsequent decline of the once-proud castle, and the felling of the last of the historic woodland.
A small 12th century church and a 15th-century castle at Kilcash, Tipperary.
This historic landscape is perhaps best known for the Caoineadh Cill Cáis [The Keening of Kilcash], a famous lament.
This historic landscape is perhaps best known for the Caoineadh Cill Cáis [The Keening of Kilcash], a famous lament.
November 11, 2025 at 5:56 PM
A small 12th century church and a 15th-century castle at Kilcash, Tipperary.
This historic landscape is perhaps best known for the Caoineadh Cill Cáis [The Keening of Kilcash], a famous lament.
This historic landscape is perhaps best known for the Caoineadh Cill Cáis [The Keening of Kilcash], a famous lament.
In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a trip to visit an enigmatically decorated stone in County Roscommon.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Roscommon #Archaeology 🏺
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Roscommon #Archaeology 🏺
November 10, 2025 at 5:58 PM
In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a trip to visit an enigmatically decorated stone in County Roscommon.
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Roscommon #Archaeology 🏺
#Ireland #SpéirGhorm #Roscommon #Archaeology 🏺