Céide Fields
Céide Fields things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Probably only very exciting to people who really love archeology but it is a very impressive place and set in a spectacular location. The North Mayo cliffs are one of the most impressive regions of Ireland. The fields are under the care of the OPW and there is a visitor centre with plenty of information available to a visitor. What is particularly important here is that the field system that was found here dates to about five and a half thousand years ago, roughly the same time as the Upanishads, and the style of the fielding only started developing in the res of Europe about two and a half thousand years later. Alongside the fields there is also evidence of housing and even burials at the site. Over the centuries these have all been submerged under a blanket bog so they were not removed or destroyed by later farmers. This is often the case where subsequent populations destroy the history of the places their ancestors once dwelt. The Georgians were great at annihilating everything to replace it with their unimaginative love of red brick. Thankfully the Georgian vandals never bothered much with remote areas of rural land so places like Ceide survived even them!
Fergal Jennings
00
Great location along the Wild Atlantic Way! Really worth stopping off as part of your journey. Note that during Covid, the visitor centre remains closed (correct as of August 2020) which means there is no information centre or toilets. Sadly there is no where to eat a picnic or a packed lunch other than the car just to be aware! The loop around the fields is beautiful and well kept with a fantastic boardwalk looping around the site. Really worth venturing up and around the walk - it takes approximately 20 minutes. Not to be missed is the observation point across the road, enclosed with a barrier to get up close to the ocean; the cliffs and get an unobstructed view of the ocean and the cliffs- really stunning. Free of charge and ample parking, worth visiting during covid for the views and as part of a wider trip. I would recommend to visit Downpatrick head as it is so closeby!
Sarah Hogan
00
I would recommend scheduling one/two hours to visit the céide fields, exhibitions and café. The staff are friendly and helpful. The history of the céide fields is explained well in the exhibition using interactive learning and a variety of experiences including video, audio, replicas, artefacts and writing. I would say any age group would enjoy the experience, including those with reduced mobility. I would recommend one hour for a rainy day because you wouldn't spend much time outside exploring the fields and two hours for a sunny day to wander outside. I would recommend wearing something warm because the elevated location on the cliff edge exposes you to the harsh Irish weather. The café is unpretentious and provides everything you will need after your exploration of Irish history.
Chloe Walsh
00
I visited the Céide Fields on Saturday, it is unbelievable to see , just to know that your standing on lands that out ancestors worked, lived and died on, is empowering . The Céide Fields (Irish: Achaidh Chéide, meaning "flat topped hill fields") is an archaeological site on the north County Mayo coast in the west of Ireland, it is about 8 kilometres northwest of Ballycastle. This site is the most extensive Neolithic site in Ireland and contains the oldest known field systems in the world. Using various dating methods, it was discovered that the creation and development of the Céide Fields goes back some five and a half thousand years ago. If your traveling that way it is worth a visit , hope you enjoy the photos :) Sláinte.
caroline halpenny
00
Visitor center is now reopened as of 6/10/2022 after a complete renovation - beautiful building with a well made and interesting series of exhibits, as well as an easy and interesting board walk through several excavated rock walls of the ancient farms. Hard to believe that the largest Stone Age site in Europe and oldest excavated farm system on earth is underrated; but it is. Definitely worth a visit. And the surrounding views of the cliffs and the Atlantic are stunning. Cafe is not yet open inside the visitor center but is expected to begin operations in the coming months.
Jon Sieg
00
I'd recommend visiting the Céide Fields when visiting north May. Located between Ballycastle & Belderrig . Across from The Céide Fields you can see Downpatrick & the Wild Atlantic Ocean. This is the oldest Neolithic field system in Europe. It's all thanks to local teacher Patrick Caulfield, his son Dr Seamus Caulfield & the local people who knew the importance of their findings & inturn has created a wonderful legacy.A Beautiful poem written by Seamus Heaney about The Céide Fields. The Great value, lovely informative tour & wonderful helpful staff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
devlinfarmlife
00
Nearby Attractions Of Céide Fields
Céide Fields Visitors Centre and Car Park
Céide Fields Visitors Centre and Car Park
4.5
(211)
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Glenurla, Co. Mayo, F26 PF66, Ireland
Map
Phone
+353 46 940 7250
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Website
heritageireland.ie
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(629 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
scenic
family friendly
off the beaten path
Description
The Céide Fields is an archaeological site on the north County Mayo coast in the west of Ireland, about 4.3 mi northwest of Ballycastle. The site has been described as the most extensive Neolithic site in Ireland and is claimed to contain the oldest known field systems globally.
attractions: Céide Fields Visitors Centre and Car Park, restaurants:
