Céide Fields: Whispers of Neolithic Farmers
Explore the world's oldest field systems at Céide Fields in County Mayo, where Neolithic history meets dramatic Atlantic coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Céide Fields, located on the north coast of County Mayo, offer a captivating journey into Ireland's Neolithic past. This archaeological site preserves the most extensive Stone Age field systems in the world, dating back to around 3500 BCE. Unearthed from beneath a sprawling blanket bog, the Céide Fields reveal a complex landscape of stone-walled fields, ancient homes, and megalithic tombs, providing a unique window into the lives of early farming communities. The award-winning visitor center, with its distinctive pyramid shape, offers an immersive experience. Exhibits detail the geology, botany, and human history of the area, including a 4,300-year-old Scots pine preserved in the bog. A guided tour takes you across the bog to see the remains of the field system, with interactive experiences that allow you to probe beneath the peat and feel the ancient stone walls. The center's viewing platform, perched on dramatic cliffs 110 meters above the Atlantic, offers breathtaking scenery. The story of the Céide Fields began in the 1930s when a local schoolteacher, Patrick Caulfield, noticed unusual piles of rocks while cutting turf. His son, archaeologist Seamus Caulfield, later recognized the significance of these stones as remnants of a vast Neolithic farming landscape. The fields demonstrate that a large, organized community of farmers lived and worked here, clearing forests and cultivating the land. Cattle rearing was their main economy, but they also grew grains and were skilled craftspeople. The site is on the tentative list to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear and weather-protective clothing, as the terrain can be uneven and the weather conditions challenging.
- Take the guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of the site; it's easy to miss the subtle details without context.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the visitor center exhibits and the outdoor site.
- Check the opening hours in advance, especially if visiting outside of peak season (mid-March to early November).
- Enjoy the café at the visitor center for homemade treats and stunning clifftop views.
A brief summary to Céide Fields
- Glenurla, Co. Mayo, F26 PF66, IE
- +353469407250
Getting There
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Car
From Ballina, follow the R314 road northwest for approximately 34 km. The Céide Fields visitor center is well signposted. Turn left onto the access road, and you'll find ample parking at the visitor center. Parking is free. From Ballycastle, follow the R314 north-west and you will reach the site after 8km.
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Public Transport
Take Bus Éireann route 446 from Ballina to Belderrig. From Belderrig, it is approximately 3.2km to the Céide Fields visitor center; consider a taxi or walking. McGraths Coaches operates route 436 from Ballina to Céide Fields during the summer months, Monday to Friday. The bus departs Ballina at 13:15 and arrives at Céide Fields at 14:00, returning at 16:00. A single fare on Bus Éireann from Ballina to Belmullet (passing near Céide Fields) costs approximately €10-15.
