About Mythical Ireland
Mythical Ireland was established in March of the year 2000 by journalist, author and researcher Anthony Murphy. The website represents a journey into the ancient past, and attempts to cast new light on a sometimes obscure period of the early history of Ireland. This exploration takes place through many different disciplines, which include, but are not limited to, archaeology, anthropology, astronomy, mythology, spirituality and geodesy.
The great 5,000-year-old megalithic passage-tombs of Brú na Bóinne in the Boyne Valley represent the zenith of a phase of Irish prehistory that began with the introduction of farming around 6,000 years ago. Newgrange, Knowth and
Dowth are huge, enigmatic structures, that are the finest examples of a type of monument that is found scattered throughout Ireland, and of which there may be as many as 1,500 examples. None can compare to these three, though, in terms of size, grandeur, and their illustrious prominence in the ancient myths.
Anthony’s exploration encompasses many different facets of these great monuments. He invites you to step into this ancient world, and through the various media of words, photography and video/film, to enjoy a unique glimpse a past that seems very much alive.
Ancient Ireland
Ancient Sites
Enter the ‘Ancient Sites’ section of this blog for a fascinating and wide-ranging exploration of the megalithic and sacred sites of Ireland. Find out all about the Stone Age and prehistoric ruins and learn more about the possible functions and alignments of these sites. Visit the great temples of Brú na Bóinne, the Hill of Tara, the ancient cairns of Loughcrew among many others.
Myths & Legends
Explore the ancient myths, legends and folklore of Ireland and their meaning. Read the epic Táin Bó Cuailnge, or the place-name myths in the Dindshenchas. Learn about how the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Milesians came to Ireland and how the early texts describe various invasions of prehistoric Éire. Hear about Fionn and the Fianna, and discover how some myths might contain information about astronomy and the stars.
Astronomy & the Sky
There is no doubt that the ancient megalith builders had a substantial knowledge of the movements of the sun, moon, planets and stars through the heavens. Learn more about just how complex and impressive this knowledge was. There is evidence that the people of the Neolithic knew about the 19-year Metonic cycle of the moon, as well as being able to predict eclipses.
A Journey Into Ireland's Ancient Past
Mythical Ireland Blog
Brigid - a threshold saint who knocks at the door until she is acknowledged
Brigid is one of Ireland’s favourite women. Regardless of what you think about the veracity of the accounts of the various miracles she performed, there can be no doubt that the narrative of Saint Brigid is based upon the story of a formidable woman.
Newgrange won't be open to public for winter solstice; livestream announced
The Newgrange monument will NOT be open to the public for winter solstice for the second year running. Instead of the traditional free public days at solstice, there will be a global livestream of the solstice illumination of the chamber, something that was very successful last year.
Murals to bring ancient Boyne Valley myths to life
A series of six murals depicting mythology from the Drogheda and Boyne Valley area has begun with the commissioning of a giant artwork featuring scenes from the famous story of Finn and the Salmon of Knowledge.
Work begins on Drogheda mythology murals
Work has begun on the first of six giant murals in Drogheda which will feature scenes from Irish mythology associated with the famous Boyne Valley.
Two of three logboats I found by drone in the river Boyne are new discoveries!
The Underwater Archaeology Unit of the National Monuments Service has told Anthony Murphy that two of the three dugout boats he spotted in the river Boyne at Drogheda are new discoveries.
Third logboat spotted by drone in the Boyne river at Drogheda
I spotted a third logboat in the river Boyne at Drogheda this morning using my drone. It is positioned near the northern bank of the Boyne some 270m west of the Bridge of Peace.