Population and Settlement
The history of population and settlement in Ireland is very extensive. With the written word not reaching Ireland until the arrival of Saint Patrick in 462 AD, it is up to the research of archeologists and historians that we are able to piece together how Ireland came to be and what it had to offer the earliest of settlers. Stones and reminisce of buildings from ancient times still exist in Ireland today and have become an interest point for both tourist and researchers alike. A very brief history of the earliest settlers are included and goes up through the BC era. Come along on the journey through time and explore a glimpse of what use to be.
Some of the earliest findings of human inhabitant of Ireland was found to be from 8000 to 7000 BC. Most of inhabitants were short term encampments by the coast and waterways, with no evidence of large or domesticated animals or farming skills, these hunters and gathers diet consisted of wild boar, birds, fish and hazelnuts. Researchers have found evidence in Lough Boora of flint use and polished stone axe-heads, but no permanent dwellings. Flint work was also found in the valley of Blackwater in Munster and near the coast there was evidence of a canoe which is dated to be used around 5000 BC. In the 1970s, Perter Woodman found remains at Mount Sandel, which is now considered to be the first settlement of Ireland. He found about seven structures, most included a central interior hearth. He also found many different tools such as flint, needles, pick-like tools, hide scrapers and a drying rack used for fish.
By 3000 BC new colonists had reached Ireland, these new colonists were known to be farmers. In the documentaries, “Guns, Germs, and Steel”, John Diamond theorizes that farming had come from the Fertile Crescent, where evidence shows farming, domestication of work animals and buildings to be in that area around 7500 BC. When the resources were used up the settlements had split up on their travels and made it to Europe around 3500 BC. Farmers therefore had migrated to Ireland by 3000 BC and supports John Diamond’s theory of farming migration.
Around 2000 BC was the start of the Bronze Age because that is when prospectors and metal workers had come to Ireland. Also, metal deposits were discovered and the use of bronze and gold were utilized. Axe-heads, pottery and jewelry were just a small number of items that were made with the new mineral. By 1200 BC many more people had come to Ireland and a wider variety of weapons and tools were produced.
With the growing number of people, a societal structure had formed by about 200 BC. Within this structure Ireland was broken into about 150 clans, or tuatha. A minor king was in charge of each clan and then there was a higher King who was in charge of a group of clans, those Kings were under one of the five Kings. Today Ireland still has the five regions that those Kings were in charge of. They are: Connaught, Leinster, Midhe, Munster and Ulster.
Some of the earliest findings of human inhabitant of Ireland was found to be from 8000 to 7000 BC. Most of inhabitants were short term encampments by the coast and waterways, with no evidence of large or domesticated animals or farming skills, these hunters and gathers diet consisted of wild boar, birds, fish and hazelnuts. Researchers have found evidence in Lough Boora of flint use and polished stone axe-heads, but no permanent dwellings. Flint work was also found in the valley of Blackwater in Munster and near the coast there was evidence of a canoe which is dated to be used around 5000 BC. In the 1970s, Perter Woodman found remains at Mount Sandel, which is now considered to be the first settlement of Ireland. He found about seven structures, most included a central interior hearth. He also found many different tools such as flint, needles, pick-like tools, hide scrapers and a drying rack used for fish.
By 3000 BC new colonists had reached Ireland, these new colonists were known to be farmers. In the documentaries, “Guns, Germs, and Steel”, John Diamond theorizes that farming had come from the Fertile Crescent, where evidence shows farming, domestication of work animals and buildings to be in that area around 7500 BC. When the resources were used up the settlements had split up on their travels and made it to Europe around 3500 BC. Farmers therefore had migrated to Ireland by 3000 BC and supports John Diamond’s theory of farming migration.
Around 2000 BC was the start of the Bronze Age because that is when prospectors and metal workers had come to Ireland. Also, metal deposits were discovered and the use of bronze and gold were utilized. Axe-heads, pottery and jewelry were just a small number of items that were made with the new mineral. By 1200 BC many more people had come to Ireland and a wider variety of weapons and tools were produced.
With the growing number of people, a societal structure had formed by about 200 BC. Within this structure Ireland was broken into about 150 clans, or tuatha. A minor king was in charge of each clan and then there was a higher King who was in charge of a group of clans, those Kings were under one of the five Kings. Today Ireland still has the five regions that those Kings were in charge of. They are: Connaught, Leinster, Midhe, Munster and Ulster.
Maps
Suggestions for Additional Information
Irish History Links: This link provides a lot of information about the history of Ireland along with the current events. There are also historical documents that can be viewed and pictures. This link provides additional links to other sources that a very useful.
Ancient Ireland Link: This webpage has timelines and information about ancient Ireland. There are also numerous maps to show the development of the country.
Ancient Ireland Link: This webpage has timelines and information about ancient Ireland. There are also numerous maps to show the development of the country.