Celtic history comes alive
Our Celtic ancestors left their mystic mark on our landscape and their treasures are there for all to see. Here Bryony Symes unearths the best of them
Our pick of the top eight Celtic historical sites for you to explore
1 Celtic and Prehistoric Museum
In the far west of Ireland, on the Dingle Peninsula, The Celtic and Prehistoric Museum is in an area rich with Celtic history. Its impressive collection spans pre-history, including the Celts, and includes the largest known complete woolly mammoth skull.
More information www.discoverireland.ie/arts-culture-heritage/ celtic-prehistoric-museum/13166
Where to stay Dingle Camping & Caravan Site
Web www.dingleactivities.com/camping
2 Iona
The tiny island of Iona, just off Mull, can only be accessed by foot ferry but it’s well worth the extra journey. There’s a wealth of Celtic crosses at Iona Abbey and Nunnery, where it is thought there has been Christian worship since 563AD. While you’re in Argyll and The Isles, don’t miss Kildalton Cross on Islay, which was carved in the 700s.
More information www.historicenvironment.scot
Where to stay Oban Caravan & Camping Park
Web www.obancaravanpark.com
5 Hill of Tara
As one of the largest complexes of Celtic monuments in Europe, the Hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland, is not to be missed. Its earthworks, tombs, standing stones and monuments are collectively known as the Seat of Kings, and ancient myths say it was a dwelling of the gods and the entrance to the ‘otherworld’ of eternal joy.
More information www.hilloftara.org
Where to stay Camac Valley Tourist Caravan and Camping Park
Web www.camacvalley.com
6 King Doniert’s Stone
The only known 9th-century Celtic stone crosses in Cornwall are near the village of St Cleer and are known as King Doniert’s Stone, despite appearing to be parts of two separate crosses. One has a description commemorating Dungarth, King of the Celtic kingdom Dumnonia who drowned in AD875 and was the last recorded king of Cornwall.
More information www.english-heritage.org.uk
Where to stay Cheesewring Farm
Web www.cheesewringfarm.co.uk
3 Castell Henllys
At the heart of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Castell Henllys, a reconstructed Iron Age village at the exact site on which our Celtic ancestors would have lived. Walk in their footsteps and learn about the Demetae tribe’s life in this hill fort. There are lots of other prehistoric sites in the surrounding area, too.
More information www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales
Where to stay Cardigan Camping and Touring Caravan Site
Web www.cardigancaravansite.co.uk
4 Maiden Castle
This English Heritage site in Dorset is thought by many to have been one of the most important battlegrounds for clashes between the Celtic Britons and the invading Romans. Whether this is wholly true or not, it’s a spectacular and enormous hill fort, the size of 50 football fields, and is well worth a visit.
More information www.english-heritage.org.uk
Where to stay Crossways Caravan and Motorhome Club Site
Web www.caravanclub.co.uk
7 House of Manannan
Get to know the Isle of Man’s myths, legends and Celtic roots at the House of Manannan, named after the island’s mythical sea god. There’s plenty about the Celts, Vikings and the island’s rich history, right up to the present day. This is a great place to find out about the many Celtic crosses strewn about the island and the stories that they tell.
More information www.manxnationalheritage.im
Where to stay Peel Camping Park
Web www.peelonline.net/where-to-stay/peel-campsite
8 Tintagel Castle
It would be remiss of us here not to include Tintagel Castle, root of the legend of King Arthur, possibly the most famous Celtic figure of all. The early medieval ruins are perched in a dramatic location from which Cornish kings ruled for hundreds of years. The castle is now more easily accessible to visitors thanks to a new footbridge (see p23).
More information www.english-heritage.org.uk
Where to stay The Headland Caravan & Camping Park
Web www.headlandcaravanpark.co.uk