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Paige Green
Diane Godfrey
GCU 114
July 12, 2015
The Ancient Irish
Who does not want to spend their lives living in a place where the culture is rich and the
sights are breath taking; where the food is traditional and the people are warm? Over time,
Ireland became this ideal travel destination. Located on the western edge of the European
continent, Ireland is an active tourist spot and home to many. The way one feels while walking
down their bricked sidewalks did not develop overnight. Evidence shows that in 8000 BC the
first known settlers of Ireland began to call it home. From there, a society, a culture, and a
governmental system were formed. This frame work that had been planted all those years ago
still impact Ireland today. Once dissected, one will see how important these ancient Irish are to
todays Ireland.
The story begins around 8000 BC as the last ice age was melting off and the soil began to
soften. Those who had survived the harsh weathers were finally seeing the light at the end of the
tunnel. After crossing over Englands mainland to new, warmer, life, these groups became fond
of the land and what it had to offer. They settled near rivers and the ocean coast where they were
able to hunt and stay near a water source. The ancient Irish also relied on harvesting food such as
berries and nuts in order to stay alive. As many years passed, and the Earth began recovering
from the great freeze, meadows and fields attracted wildlife that were migrating the same as they
did. Even when satisfied and content, the Irish continued to evolve.

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In 4500 BC, Neolithic people journeyed into this newly charted land. With fresh and
innovative ideals on farming and agriculture, they began altering how the Irish would eat and
prepare food. Being taught these systems allowed them to harvest many crops including wheat,
barley and flax. The domestication of animals became popular around this same time as they
used them as laborers and a source of food when wild game was scarce. Through this change,
historians and philosophers can see how ideal their climate was for survival. Where Ireland lies
on the world map, one can compare the distance from the Fertile Crescent to be relatively close.
In even closer proximity, one would find the equator line. This region was essential during this
time period due to the rich soil and supreme environments that allowed agriculture to thrive.
Thanks to this warm weather and magnitude of sun exposure, the ancient Irish started to become
a successful farming society.
Throughout this massive collaboration, the people of ancient Ireland slowly began
sharing more than just farming tips. The Neolithic people brought ideas of burial and spirt to the
people. In doing so, a unique and ritualistic culture was born. Today we can still find, standing
singly or in a group, head stones that scatter across the Irish country side. It is still undetermined
to whether these individuals used them as markers for directions or in spiritual ceremonies.
Nonetheless, a society and bond began forming between these groups and a civilization became
one.
Ireland is more than just beer and step dancing. The ancestors of these people have
invented a functional culture with roots stemming from their own soil. Harsh weathers, food
scarcities, and lack of resources, made it difficult for the ancient Irish to succeed. Perseverance
and determination are fine qualities that are distilled in this country, which is still true today.

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They have come a long way from this era, yet the Irish people have never given up on a fight.
These people are truly admirable and should be applauded for their craftsmanship and drive.

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Works Cited
History of Ancient Ireland - Irish History Timeline. (2012). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Irelands Early Inhabitants. (2014, February 3). Retrieved July 12, 2015.
Lambert, T. (2014). A Brief History of Ireland. Retrieved July 12, 2015.