Ancient Ireland Books

Ireland: Standing Stones to Stormont by Tom Quinn Kumpf, a photographic study of the ancient sites of Ireland with notes by the author of events and experiences he had while working on the project. As the photographer and writer, Tom has been to Ireland countless times. The book is made up mostly of ancient sites - stone circles, ring forts, standing stones, with specific attention paid to places like Newgrange, Knowth and Carrowkeel. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Landscapes of Neolithic Ireland by Gabriel Cooney. The author integrates the study of landscape, settlement, agriculture, material culture and burial practice to offer a picture of the complexities and the realities of Neolithic lives and societies in Ireland. 'An important statement for Irish archaeology in general. This book should have a prominent place on the bookshelves of all men and women interested in Irish History, both professionally and avocationally.' Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Ireland's Pre-Celtic Archaeological and Anthropological Heritage by Tok Freeland Thompson. This scholarly book published in 2006 challenges current trends in thinking about Ireland and Celticity. The author draws on a wide range of disciplinary outlooks including Archaeology, Folklore, Linguistics, History and Genetics. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

The Measure of the Cosmos by Petur Halldorsson. Research into the Sagas told in 13th century Icelandic skin manuscripts has revealed a pre-historic Image of Creation marked in the land by Iceland's 9th century settlers with exquisite geometric and mathematical precision. Pre-historic Man similarly marked in the land in Ireland, France, Denmark, Britain, Italy and Greece. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Astronomy in Prehistoric Britain and Ireland by Clive Ruggles. Do prehistoric stone monuments in Britain and Ireland incorporate deliberate astronomical alignments, and if so, what is their purpose and meaning? This book provides an account of megalithic astronomy debates and examines prehistoric man's concern with celestial bodies and events. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

A Little History of Astro-Archaeology by John Michell. The study of astro-archaeology (the astronomy of ancient sites) has now expanded worldwide, bringing new revelations about the mystical sciences of antiquity. This "little history" summarizes the issues involved in astro-archaeology, and illustrates its principal sites including Newgrange and Stonehenge. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Also by John Michell - Secrets of the Stones: New Revelations of Astro-Archaeology and the Mystical Sciences of Antiquity.

Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape. Lush and green, the beauty of Ireland's landscape is legendary. This book has harnessed the expertise of dozens of specialists to produce an exciting and pioneering study which aims to increase understanding and appreciation for the landscape as an important element of Irish national heritage, and to provide a much needed basis for an understanding of landscape conservation and planning. Regional case studies, covering the whole of Ireland from north to south, are included, along with historical background. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Irish Symbols of 3500 BC by N. L. Thomas. The inscriptions on the megalithic stones at Newgrange, Knowth, Fourknocks and Loughcrew are investigated by the engineer Dr. Neil L. Thomas. He presents the stones as calendars for a 16 month year with 22 or 23 days per month and 8 annual solar and seasonal events.

Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Sacred Stones by Gene Kangas, Art Professor Emeritus. This book features an array of ancient stone carvings located in prehistoric sites as well as personalized sculpted stones found in more recent cemeteries. Monuments highlighted in the book are stone sculptures that are unique, expressive and timeless. Irish sites included in Sacred Stones: Legananny Dolmen, Carrickglass Dolmen, Ballycrovane Ogham Stone, Beaghmore Stone Circles, Poulenabrone Dolman, and Janus Figure on Boa Island.

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now