Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Early Footprints & Celtic Highways
Stone Age farmers who arrived in Ireland between 10,000 and 8000 BC provided the coun-
try's genetic stock and laid the foundations of its agricultural economy. During the follow-
ing Bronze Age, in addition to discovering and crafting metals to stock the future National
Museum, they also found time to refine their farming techniques and raise livestock.
Celtic society was ruled by Brehon Law, the tenets of which still form the basis of Ireland's ethical code
today.
Iron Age warriors from Eastern Europe, who were known as the Celts, arrived in the
country around 500 BC and divided Ireland into provinces and a myriad of districts ruled
by chieftains. Roads connecting these provinces converged at a ford over the River Liffey
called Átha Cliath (Ford of the Hurdles) and the settlement that grew up at this junction
during the 9th century was to give Dublin its Irish name, Baile Átha Cliath (Town of the
Hurdle Ford).
