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Visitor guides, itineraries, online courses, talks and tours — all created by experienced archaeologists for people who really want to get under the skin of Ireland.

30/05/2026

I'm so lucky to spend so much time visiting ancient monuments and spending time surrounded by the echoes of the past.

It's an important part of my life, and no matter how many monuments I visit, I still find it so rewarding. Each one is different, reflecting the people and cultures that made them.

I started Tuatha in the hope of creating an engaging, informative and practical guide and resource for people who are curious and who like to go beyond the veneer.

It's designed to encourage people to slow down and go deeper into the landscapes and stories that surround us.

Members enjoy a wealth of resources, from practical itinerary guides to help them explore all around the island of Ireland, to detailed articles, to regular tours, talks and much more!

So if you're looking for a meaningful way to reconnect with Ireland's ancient landscapes, come and join us at the link below:
https://www.tuatha.ie/join/

29/05/2026

While most examples of carved stone in the Neolithic comes from megalithic tombs, by the Chalcolithic Period at the earliest stages of the Bronze Age (c.2500 BC), rock art can be more often found inscribed on stone outcrops and isolated boulders.

This is an example that was found in the 19th century near Youghal, County Cork. It is extensively carved with tightly placed concentric rings, grooves, and plain cups, and it is thought to date to around 2500–1700 BCE.

You can see it on display in the National Museum of Ireland.

28/05/2026

I'm so looking forward to tonight's Tuatha Talk with Dr Elizabeth Boyle on Early Irish Mythology!

This talk will discuss the medieval Irish literature that often gets referred to as “mythology” and outline some of the circumstances in which it was produced and preserved.

We will focus particularly on the body of material that forms Ireland’s national origin-myth – the so-called Lebor Gabála Érenn or the ‘Book of Invasions’ – and look at its perceived social and historical value in medieval Ireland.

From the status of the supernatural peoples known as the Tuatha Dé Danann to the supposed ancestors of the Gaels, the ‘Sons of Míl’, we will explore the purpose and function of medieval mythological literature, while also busting a few modern myths about what this material can tell us about early Irish history and national identity.

This talk is now at full capacity, but a recording will be made available shortly afterwards for Tuatha Members, along with 46 other recorded lectures by the leading experts in Irish archaeology, history and heritage. It's growing into a very niche Netflix!

Not a member yet? Come and join us today. As well as access to talks like this, you will also enjoy more than 50 itinerary guides that help you to explore, articles and more! And you can join us on our exclusive tours.

Start your adventure today at the link below:
https://www.tuatha.ie/join/

27/05/2026

Tobar Fhionáin • St Finan's Bay • Kerry

This holy well is set just above the beach of St Finan's Bay, on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Ring of Kerry.

I find the story of St Finan can be a little confusing given the interchangeable stories relating to a number of similarly named early saints, especially in County Kerry. The great Dictionary of Irish Saints by Pádraig Ó Riain lists Fíonán, Finan, Finian, Fionnán, Fíonán Cam, Fíonán of Corca Dhuibhne, and Fíonán the L***r. To add to the confusion, at least some of those listed may be the same individual!

And a St Fíonán is also said to have been the original founder of the early monastery of Skellig Michael, that looms so large on the horizon from St Finan's Bay.

Explore the Ring of Kerry with our exclusive itinerary guide, featuring 22 of my favourite places to visit along the way.

You can grab your free guide from our website here:
https://www.tuatha.ie/the-ultimate-ring-of-kerry-tour-itinerary/

26/05/2026

We had a wonderful day of sun, sea and the Saltee Islands!

This puffin pilgrimage has become something of an annual tradition, and it's always one of the highlights of my year.

Great to see NPWS rangers on the island, helping to cordon off nesting areas and preventing disturbance. With the growing popularity of the Saltees, it is a much needed measure and I hope it continues.

Back on dryland and after all that sea air we wellied a big feed from the Little Saltee Chipper at Kilmore Quay!

If you'd like to visit the islands do check out our free article and visitor guide at the link below

https://www.tuatha.ie/the-saltee-islands/

25/05/2026

Take a walk up the storied slopes of Tibradden, one of the most accessible and rewarding hikes in the Dublin Mountains, as we encounter an ancient cairn with some fascinating folklore in today's edition of our free Monument Monday newsletter.

Would you like a weekly mail that connects you to Ireland's incredible archaeology?

Sign up for our FREE newsletter at the link below:
https://www.tuatha.ie/newsletter/

24/05/2026

Tomb Effigy • Kilcooley Abbey • Tipperary

This fine tomb of Philip O’Molwanayn (d.1463) depicts him holding his bishop’s crozier and book of prayer.

Translated, the Latin epitaph on his tomb reads:

'Here lies Philip O’Molwanayn, formerly abbot of this house, together with his parents, who performed many good works both spiritual and temporal; on whose souls God have mercy.'

23/05/2026

We had a wonderful Tuatha Tour through time today, visiting the remarkably well-preserved archaeological landscape at Glencullen in the uplands of County Dublin.

We explored evidence of thousands of years of life and farming, from megalithic tombs to Bronze Age barrows and standing stones, to early medieval ringforts, and more!

It was made really special by having the landowner Philip Maguire and his son Daniel of Newtown Hill Archaeology & Sheepdogs who told tales of the generations of their family who lived and worked on this land. Living alongside the traces of the farmers who worked it before.

Always fantastic to spend a day in such good company — looking forward to our next outing where we'll visit an exciting archaeological excavation in June!

22/05/2026

Late Bronze Age Dress Fastener • Monaghan

This beautiful golden dress fastener was found near Clones in County Monaghan, and acquired by Trinity College Dublin in 1820 before it became part of the collections of the National Museum of Ireland.

It is large and spectacular example of its type, made from a solid, cast 'bow' that is attached to two cone-like terminals. It is delicately decorated with a pattern of punched dots within incised concentric circles, while the terminals have rows of concentric lines. The piece was highly polished, giving it a truly lustrous appearance.

It makes you wonder who may have worn such a stunning piece when it was made at some point during the later Bronze Age, likely between 900–700 BCE.

You can see it on display in the Ór Exhibition in the National Museum of Ireland.

And if you're stuck for time, you can now visit the National Museum until 8pm on the last Thursday of every month, beginning 28 May. These late openings are a nice initiative that will hopefully help more people to experience our wonderful heritage!

21/05/2026

Romanesque Doorway • Kilmore Cathedral • Cavan

The wonderful doorway may have been commissioned by Derbforgaill (who also commissioned the spectacular 'Nun's Church' at Clonmacnoise in 1167).

The door is believed to have been taken from its original setting on Trinity Island and brought to Kilmore in the mid-19th century.

The decoration has a blend of Hiberno-Romanesque and Urnes-style art, demonstrating a truly European blend of cultural and artistic influences in medieval Ireland. Though I particularly love the intertwined stylised horses. 🐴

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