Ceide Fields-Copy(1)
Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland
The Céide Fields in North Mayo will certainly give you a unique experience, for this is not just another archaeological monument or visitor centre. Here you can indulge yourself in a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, dramatic cliffs and coastline, and a much acclaimed building, which has received Ireland's most prestigious architectural award. The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, over five and a half millennia old. It is a unique Neolithic landscape of world importance, which has changed our perception of our Stone Age ancestors. The remains of stone field walls, houses and megalithic tombs are preserved beneath a blanket of peat over several square miles. They tell a story of the everyday lives of a farming people, their organised society, their highly developed spiritual beliefs, and their struggle against a changing environment beyond their control.
Visit the multi-award winning Centre, which has exhibitions, audio-visual show and tearooms and take a guided tour with professional guides and discover a buried wall for yourself using a centuries old method of probing. Experience the unique ecology of the bogland, with it's colourful mosses, sedges, lichens, heathers, flowers and insect-eating sundews while listening to the larks. Find out the fascinating story of an ever-changing landscape, such as why bogs grow and the huge influence a subtle change in climate can bring about.
Displays and exhibitions in English and Irish with written translations available in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish, A 20 minute long audio-visual show, Guided walking tours of the site lasting between 45 - 60 minutes. As the tour is outdoors on uneven and sometimes wet terrain visitors are advised to wear weather protective clothing and appropriate footwear, Tearoom providing home made cakes, scones, soup, sandwiches etc.
Opening Times : Open Easter to October 29th
Daily 10am - 6pm June to Sept Daily 10am - 5pm Other months
Admission Charges: Adult: euro4.00 Group / Senior: euro3.00 Child /
Student: euro2.00 Family: euro10.00
Directions from Mount Falcon Estate to Ceide Fields
