Ireland's ancient prehistory, spanning thousands of years, holds the fascinating story of the first people to inhabit the Emerald Isle. Archaeological evidence indicates that Mesolithic hunter-gatherers first arrived in Ireland around 10,000 BC, traveling from Britain across a land bridge that once connected the two islands. These early settlers lived a nomadic existence, subsisting on hunting, fishing, and foraging. Over time, Neolithic farmers arrived from continental Europe, bringing with them agricultural practices and a settled way of life. The construction of stone monuments, known as passage tombs, during this period suggests a growing sense of community and spirituality. As metalworking technologies emerged in the Bronze Age, Irish society underwent significant transformations, characterized by the creation of elaborate bronze weapons, tools, and ornaments. The Iron Age witnessed the introduction of ironworking and the emergence of hillforts, indicating the development of hierarchical social structures and the rise of small-scale polities.
