Occupied for over 4 millennia, Rathcroghan is an archaeological site located in the west of Ireland

Occupied for over 4 millennia, Rathcroghan is an archaeological site located in the west of Ireland.

It comprises structures dating from the Neolithic to the early Middle Ages, consisting of 240 buildings that include tombs, temples, and residences. The establishment of Rathcroghan led to the formation of a small centralized society, predominantly composed of Celts, around 1000 BC. In ancient times, this region was recognized as the entrance to the Celtic underworld and encompassed several sacred sites that served as venues for ceremonies and religious festivals. The structure depicted in the photo is Mount Rathcroghan, constructed using multiple layers of gravel and earth. It measures 89 meters in diameter and stands at an impressive height of nearly 6 meters. The summit likely served as a tomb for the burial of King Dathí, the last pagan king of Ireland, in the year 445. Legend has it that Dathí, who held the title of Supreme King of Ireland, met his demise when he was struck by lightning on an expedition to the Alps. His tomb was enclosed by log walls and was accompanied by a gate and other royal residences. Throughout history, Rathcroghan was a frequently visited site for pilgrimages. However, during the Middle Ages, it experienced depopulation and gradually transformed into a country estate owned by various Irish individuals. By the 6th century, the site was practically uninhabited. Presently, the archaeological complex of Rathcroghan serves as a tourist attraction. However, there is limited information available regarding its structures or the people responsible for their construction.

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