Cliffs at the Céide Fields
It was interesting to visit the Céide Fields. I didn’t know that there was such as important location here in the west of Ireland. It is considered one of the oldest Neolithic sites in the country and the oldest example of field systems anywhere in the world. That being said, it is sometimes hard to appreciate places like these. This is especially true since not everything has been excavated. There were only certain parts which were unearthed and it is a large area. I don’t think there will be plans to unearth everything. It is probably good enough to know how large and where the boundaries of the fields are. This has already been done to a certain extent through poking under the ground using iron rods.
Looking at the Atlantic Ocean from the Céide Fields
The museum provided the rest of the information for people who have difficulty appreciating this important area. As for me, I have already taken my photos and I will be moving on. As I was walking towards the carpark, I realized that this place was actually quite high above sea level. It is interesting that the neolithic folk would choose this location versus one which is lower. I guess it doesn’t matter as long as it is flat. Just beyond the carpark, there is a sheer drop. The cliffs here are reminiscent of the ones at Downpatrick Head. The layers of rock built up over the centuries can be clearly seen even from far away. Over the years, the waves of the Atlantic carved out this cliff scenery leaving it for people like me to admire. I don’t think the erosion would stop though. In the next thousands of years, more land would fall into the sea, possibly claiming back the Céide Fields themselves. While this is sad, it won’t happen for thousands or hopefully millions of years in the future.
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