A Video Message from Anthony Murphy

About Mythical Ireland

Mythical Ireland was established in March of the year 2000 by author, journalist, astronomer and photographer Anthony Murphy. The website represents a journey into the ancient past, casting new light on the early history of Ireland. This exploration takes place through many different disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, astronomy, mythology, spirituality and genetics.

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. 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 of a past that seems very much alive.

  • 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.

    Read Ancient Sites 
  • 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.

    Read Myths & Legends 
  • 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.

    Read Astronomy & the Sky 
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