A renowned neolithic site containing the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world, the Céide Fields in County Mayo, combine exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean with insight into the lives of ancient Irish farmers.
With the stone walls dating back nearly 6,000 years, the development and creation of the Céide Fields took place in 3500 BCE, some 2,500 years before this type of field system developed elsewhere in Europe. Formerly the site of an early farming community complete with megalithic tombs, the settlement area now boasts an award-winning visitor centre and museum.
Where wild scenic beauty and knowledge blend
Predating the Pyramid of Giza by 4,000 years, the Céide Fields comprises a field system, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs which are covered by a natural blanket bog, and is the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world.
Set amongst some of the most dramatic rock formations in Ireland, the award-winning visitor centre makes the most of its location of the edge of a 110-metre-high cliff, with its secure viewing platform offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. A word of warning to potential visitors - make sure to dress appropriately with protective warm clothes, and sturdy footwear, as the terrain, and the weather, can be challenging.
Treasures await indoors
Set in an area of stunning natural beauty, the interior of the Céide Fields Visitor Centre has been highly curated to entice and appeal to visitors. A state-of-the-art facility which tells the story of the site, and its discovery, the visitor centre includes a high-tech audio-visual exhibition, a visual reconstruction of the Stone Age settlers, and an overview of rich heritage of the region.
Guided tours of the ancient site are available throughout the day and are included as part of the admission to the visitors centre.
Opening hours and cost
The Céide Fields Visitor Centre has different opening times for the season, until May 31, 2024 the centre is open from 10am until 5pm (last admission 4:15pm ). From June 1 until September 30, the centre will open from 10am until 6pm (last admission 5:15pm ).
Admission ranges from €5 for an adult, €4 for a senior or group, €3 for a child or student and €13 for a family.
The full address for the visitor centre is: Glenurla, Ballycastle, Co Mayo, F26 PF66. To learn more about the Céide Fields visit, ceidefields.comExtend your adventures and visit Downpatrick Head
If you are already planning to visit the area, why not make it extra special and visit Downpatrick Head in addition to the Céide Fields?
Located 5km north of Ballycastle village and 14km from the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, Downpatrick Head offers unrivalled views of the Staggs of Broadhaven Islands, and the Dún Briste sea stack.
Experience stunning views of the Dún Briste sea stack, marvel at the coloured rock formations, and spot the sea birds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and cormorants. Legend says that St Patrick struck the ground with his staff, causing the sea stack to break away from the mainland. In addition to this, Downpatrick Head features the ruins of a church which is believed to have been founded by St Patrick.
Complete your tour around Downpatrick Head with a visit to Pul Na Sean Tinne (Hole of the old fire ), a blowhole created by the Atlantic's strong waves slowly eroding the rocks. During stormy weather and rough seas, the hole has been seen to expel foam and vapour, giving the appearance from a distance, of smoke rising from a fire, hence the name.
