AUSTRIA
NAME Magdalensberg
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Carinthia - S of St Donat at Willersdorf
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A large Celtic settlement was excavated below
the summit of the mountain and objects of iron, bronze,
clay and glass were recovered.
NAME Warmbad Villach
TYPE hot springs
REGION Carinthia - Villach
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The radioactive waters of the hot springs are
82Ί F (29Ί C) and are still used in the treatment of
circulatory disorders, nervous diseases and rheumatism.
NAME Grosskirchheim
TYPE tracks
REGION Lienz - S of Heiligenblut
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Horseback rides over some of the ancient Celtic
tracks can be arranged through the proprietor of the
Schlosswirt Hotel.
NAME Baden bei Wien
TYPE hot springs
REGION Lower Austria - S of Vienna
MAP REF 0
REMARKS These sulphur springs were used by the Celts and
would have been named after a goddess.
NAME Carnuntum
TYPE town
REGION Lower Austria - near Hainburg SE of Vienna
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This ancient Celtic town on the Danube became a
Roman outpost in BC 30.
NAME Nibelungengau
TYPE sacrificial stone
REGION Lower Austria - Maria Taferl
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This was the site of a Celtic sanctuary but all
that remains is a ritual stone in front of the church.
NAME Hallein
TYPE salt mines / hot springs
REGION Salzburg - S of the city of Salzburg
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In BC 700 the Celts were working the salt mines.
Now visitors can slide into the mines on a polished tree-
trunk. The town also boasts hot springs.
NAME Rauris
TYPE gold panning
REGION Salzburg - SE of Zell am See
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The streams provide excellent places for gold
panning. The mineral springs of Bad Gastein and Bad
Hofgastein are in the next valley.
NAME Bad Ischl
TYPE warm brine baths
REGION Salzkammergut - E of Salzburg
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The baths help relieve the aches from sore
muscles and are reputed to help cure some causes of
childlessness. Ischl is a centre of salt mining.
NAME Gmunden
TYPE settlement
REGION Salzkammergut - NE of Salzburg
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Gmunden was mined for its salt by the Illyrians
between BC 1000 - 400 when the Celts captured it. The
essential salt was shipped down the Traun river to the
Danube and on to waiting communities.
NAME Mineralbad Mehrn
TYPE hot springs
REGION Tirol - Brixlegg, NE of Innsbruck
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hot calcium sulphate waters are reputed to
cure a variety of complaints. The area is also known for
its abundance of copper and silver.
NAME Bad Hall
TYPE hot springs
REGION Upper Austria - W of Steyr
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hot springs are known for their treatment of
eye conditions. The water contains a mixture of iodine and
bromine.
NAME Bad Schallerbach
TYPE hot springs
REGION Upper Austria - NW of Wels
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sulphur springs are still used for treating
rheumatism.
NAME Hallstatt
TYPE burial site (Iron Age) / salt mine
REGION Upper Austria - on the Hallstatter See
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The village of Hallstatt gave its name to the
early Iron Age culture that was discovered when
archeologists excavated the area in 1846. The Hallstatt
culture existed from about BC 1300 to BC 450.
The Iron Age cemetery and the salt mine are open to
visitors and the local museum has a collection of
artifacts. The body of a fully-clothed miner was found
preserved in salt.
A landslide had covered some of the Celtic miners and
research on the bodies has shown that they were Alpine
Caucasians living a pastoral life. Their diet included
barley, millet, broad-bean porridge and meat from their
herds.
NAME Oberzeiring
TYPE silver mine
REGION Western Steiermark
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In BC 900 the Illyrians who worked the mine were
conquered by the Celts.
BELGIUM
NAME Han
TYPE caves
REGION Ardennes - near Rochefort
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are a number of caves which can be toured
by kayak, tram or on foot. The Han Nature Park contains
many animals which once roamed wild in the area. One can
see aurochs, bison, brown bear, and horses.
NAME Rochefort
TYPE caves
REGION Ardennes - at Rochefort
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Lomme River crosses the Rochefort caves
which are less developed than the tourist caves at Han.
They give more of an idea what was available to the Celts
for their religious activities.
NAME Spa
TYPE curative springs and mud baths
REGION Ardennes, SE of Liθge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Spa has been known for its healing waters and
mud since ancient times, giving its name to this type of
treatment center. The waters and mud are both high in
iron, carbon dioxide, alkaline and low sodium and have been
used in the treatment of arterosclerosis, heart troubles,
rheumatism and varicose veins.
NAME Stalactite Cave of Remouchamps
TYPE caves
REGION Ardennes - SE of Liθge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The river caves can be toured by boat.
NAME Frasnes-lez-Buissenal
TYPE spring
REGION Hainaut
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A bucket containing two gilded torcs and 50
coins of the Nervii tribe was found as a votive deposit in
this spring.
NAME Tongres (Tongeren)
TYPE sculpture of Ambiorix
REGION Limburg, NW of Liθge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Out of respect for the great Celtic hero
Ambiorix, the Belgians erected a statue in the centre of
the market-place of Tongres during the 19th century.
CANADA
NAME Milk River
TYPE pictographs
REGION Alberta - Milk River
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has a pictograph of an antelope with
the Celtic name for the animal, as well as a depiction of
the Danann deity Goibhniu with the name included in finger
ogham.
NAME Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
TYPE pictographs
REGION Alberta - on the Milk River near Coutts
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The park has numerous pictographs and examples
of ogham that were left by the Celts and old Norse when
they passed through the area in ancient times. A hoodoo
has bad omens carved in ogham writing on the northwest,
west and southwest faces, and good omens on the others. A
pictograph has an inscription to the Celtic deity Byanu in
fringe ogham.
NAME John Corner's site 6
TYPE pictographs / ogham inscription
REGION British Columbia - Stien River
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The pictographs and the ogham inscriptions refer
to the capture and shearing of bighorn sheep by the Celts.
NAME John Corner's Site 68
TYPE pictograph / ogham inscription
REGION British Columbia - Vernon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has a pictograph of two runners
accompanied by an ogham inscription in Gaelic.
NAME Lake Superior Copper Mines
TYPE ancient copper mines
REGION Ontario / Minnesota
MAP REF 0
REMARKS From the north coast of the Canadian-Americian
lake Superior and the island Ile Royale, scientists have
estimated that approximately 250,000 tons of copper were
removed from 5000 different mines between BC 2000-1000.
The Amerindians in the area had never developed a
Bronze Age and were still in the Neolithic Age when
European settlers arrived in AD 18th century. The only
explanation is the Nordic-Amerindian wool-for-copper trade
carried on through Peterborough, Ontario.
NAME Petroglyphs Provincial Park
TYPE calendar (sun/zodiac) / pictographs / solar
observatory
REGION Ontario - Peterborough
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site at Petroglyphs Provincial Park in
Ontario is believed to have been a base camp for Bronze Age
Nordic traders. From around BC 1700, Europeans traded
woolen goods and finished products to the native Americans
for copper from around Lake Superior.
The old Norse high chieftain Woden-lithi might have
been the builder of the celestial calendar that pointed out
the equinoxes and solstices.
One hypothesis is that the design of the site was
calculated by the marking of two concentric circles into
the rock. The north/south meridian could then be
established by placing a vertical shaft in the center of
the circles and watching the shadows of the sun as it
reached and passed high noon. When the shadow reached its
shortest length, its direction would show the meridian.
Right angles would give the east/west direction. The
cardinal point could then be marked. The vernal equinox in
March would be when the sun rose over the eastern marker.
The summer solstice could be marked by watching the sun at
midsummer.
The site has pictographs of various constellations:
the Big Dipper - wagon wheel, plow or Wain; Pegasus -horse-
sign (Epona the horse goddess to the Celts); Cancer -
lobster; Gemini - the mighty twins; Aries - bear; Taurus -
moose; Leo - lynx; Virgo - virgin; Scorpio - scorpion;
Sagittarius - archer; Capricorn - sea-goat; Aquarius -water
carrier; Pisces - fish. The constellation Libra was not
used before BC 300.
Several ogham inscriptions have also been found in the
park.
CHANNEL ISLANDS
NAME Les Hougettes
TYPE industrial site / settlement
REGION Alderney
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Excavations of the site indicate a thriving
industry of pottery manufacturing, including some in the
Hallstatt style. Bronze Age articles such as tweezers and
razors were found at the site, and radio-carbon suggests a
date of about BC 500.
NAME Jerbourg
TYPE promontory fort
REGION Guernsey -- S and E from St Peter Port
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The promontory fort had three massive ramparts
and ditches, with the original inner rampart faced with
stone. The site was in use from BC 500 - BC 50 and was
upscaled from a smaller earlier site.
NAME La Gran'mere (The Great Mother)
TYPE standing stone (sculpted) / Beltane offerings
REGION Guernsey -- S of St Peter Port at St Martin's
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone figure which stands at the gate of St
Martin's churchyard is a Neolithic sculpture which at some
time was modified by a Celtic stone carver. In the 19th
century it was broken into two by an overly-enthusiastic
churchwarden on an evangelistic crusade. The sculptured
menhir was repaired and many locals still venerate the old
deities with offerings of flowers and libations of wine
around May 5th or 6th.
NAME The Tranquesous
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Guernsey -- St Saviour
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site covers 17 acres (7 ha) of land with
over 15 hut circles visible. The site appears to have been
occupied between BC 50 and AD 75. Metal working and salt
distillation were major industries and the site was
probably occupied by the Curiosolites tribe.
NAME Le Catel de Rozel
TYPE promontory earthwork
REGION Jersey - between Rozel and Bouley bays
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A steep valley and a single rampart 20 ft (6 m)
high, 33 ft (10 m) wide and 650 ft (200 m) long cuts off
the point from the remainder of the island. The site is
thought to date from around BC 1st century and the large
quantities of coins found suggest that it may have been a
mint of the Curiosolites tribe.
NAME Fremont Point
TYPE earthwork
REGION Jersey - north shore near St John's
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has two ramparts, a ditch and a
causeway entrance.
NAME La Hougue Bie
TYPE passage grave (Neolithic)
REGION Jersey -- NE of St Helier
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There is a mound 40 ft (12 m) high and 177 ft
(54 m) in diameter. The chamber is 65 ft (20 m) long with
3 inner cells and was constructed of granite uprights with
roof slabs and some drywall.
NAME La Sergentι
TYPE passage grave
REGION Jersey - west coast
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a Neolithic passage grave with a
corbelled dome.
CZECH REPUBLIC
NAME Prasklice
TYPE settlement
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was used by the Unetice culture and
dates as far back as BC late 3rd millenium.
NAME Giant's Springs
TYPE sacred springs
REGION Bohemia - Duchcov (Dux) SW of Teplice
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This unusual find dating from around BC 300
consisted of 2000 pieces of bronze and iron jewelry in a
bronze cauldron.
NAME Hradiste Nad Zavisti
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Bohemia - Stradonice, Beroun district
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort covered a large tract of land and was
in use during BC 1st century.
NAME Hrazany
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Bohemia - Sedlcany
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress was built close to the Elbe river.
NAME Mseckι Zehrovice
TYPE sacred site
REGION Bohemia, near Prague
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was in use during BC 3rd century and a
stone head with torc has been uncovered outside the stone
enclosure.
NAME Planany
TYPE settlement
REGION Bohemia
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The settlement was in use during BC 3rd century
and an filigree armring has been found.
NAME Ptenν
TYPE settlement
REGION Mahren
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was still being used in BC 1st century
and finds include a amulet pendant which has a human with
arms and legs extending to a circle showing the number 5.
NAME Byci skala
TYPE sacred cave
REGION Moravia - Blansko district N of Brno
MAP REF 0
REMARKS During BC 6th century the limestone cave was
used for religious rites and many remains have been found
of humans and animals as well as Hallstatt artifacts,
including a human head made into a drinking vessel, a
cauldron, a wagon and a cast bronze bull.
NAME Polesovice
TYPE settlement
REGION Moravia - Uherskι-Hradiste district
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Bone tools for engraving pottery have been
unearthed at the site.
NAME Sakvice
TYPE settlement
REGION Moravia - Breclau district S of Brno
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The settlement was in use during BC 4th century
and pottery shards with repetitive stamped designs have
been uncovered.
NAME Starι Hradisko
TYPE fortress
REGION Moravia - Prostejov district, Mδhren
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A coin stamper, graffiti, bronze decoration for
a sword-hilt and glass stores have been found on the site.
NAME Libkovice
TYPE settlement
REGION Most - near Duchkov (Dux)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was in use during the early La Tθne and
pottery with animal motifs have been uncovered.
DENMARK
NAME Raevemosen
TYPE sacrificial site
REGION Jutland - Raevemosen, Aars
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-known gilded silver Gundestrup Cauldron
was uncovered from this peat bog. At the time the cauldron
was sacrificed the area was a swamp with a sacred spring.
NAME Rynkeby
TYPE sacrificial site
REGION Jutland - Rynkeby on the island of Funen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A fragment of a bronze cauldron depicting a
torc-wearing woman's head, bulls' heads, a triskele and two
other animals was uncovered from the present-day peat bog.
NAME Dejbjerg
TYPE sacrifical site
REGION West Jutland - Dejbjerg Mose, Ringkobing
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Elaborately ornamented bronze votive wagons
dating from BC 1st century were found at the site, which is
now a peat bog.
ENGLAND
NAME Cadbury Camp
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Avon - NW of Nailsea
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The triple-rampart fort overlooks the Bristol
Channel and surrounding countryside.
NAME Grim's Ditches
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age earthworks
REGION Berkshire / Oxfordshire boundary - near Chilton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The earthworks consist of a bank and a ditch,
and may have been constructed for defensive purposes.
NAME Icknield Way / Berkshire Ridgeway
TYPE track
REGION Berkshire / Oxfordshire / Norfolk
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ancient track can still be walked from east
of Silbury Hill to a hillfort southwest of Luton. It is
said to follow one of the longest ley lines in England,
running from St Michael's Mount (Cornwall) to Norwich,
including Avebury and Glastonbury on its line. The name
Icknield may derive from the Iceni tribe, whose stronghold
Venta Icenorum lay at the northeast end of the track.
NAME Flag Fen
TYPE Bronze Age crannog
REGION Cambridgeshire - eastern outskirts of
Peterborough
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Flag Fen was a Bronze Age settlement built on an
artificial island in what was then a lagoon accessed by a
wooden causeway. The site covers an area of 2 acres (0.8
ha) and consisted of rectangular timber houses. Excavation
has revealed that a number of them had sod roofs.
There is an on-site museum and one can also visit a
display area which preserves a portion of the excavation
under water.
NAME Wandlebury Ring
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age fortress
REGION Cambridgeshire - just S of Cambridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress had a double rampart and ditch
defence system and sits on the Gogmagog Hills.
Iman Wilkens presents solid arguments for locating
ancient Troy at this site rather than in Turkey. His
thorough research on the subject presents a totally new and
believable conclusion.
NAME Bosigran Castle
TYPE promontory fort
REGION Cornwall - near Zennor W of St Ives
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort sits on an impressive cliff-site and is
protected from the mainland by a stone wall. The
inhabitants of the region are still known for their healing
powers.
NAME Carn Euny
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / sacred wells
REGION Cornwall - W of Penzance near Sancreed
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In BC 5th century, the site was settled by
Celtic people who built timber houses. Three centuries
later, the settlement was reconstructed with multiple-room
stone houses with courtyard.
On the site is a underground clochan (beehive hut)
with the roof missing but with a long well-preserved fogou
that leads to the outside. There are also 2 sacred wells
nearby which are renowned for their capacity to heal
wounds.
NAME Castle Dore
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Cornwall - SE of Bodmin
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A circular fortress with double ramparts
enclosed round wooden huts. The fortress is thought to
have been connected with the story of Tristan and Eseult.
NAME Castle-an-Dinas
TYPE hillfort
REGION Cornwall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are two well-defended hillforts of the
same name in the area, one with 3 walls of stone and the
other with four ramparts. Both were strategically located
to guard a network of tin mines, the rare and essential
ingredient of tools and weapons during the Bronze Age.
NAME Chun Castle
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Cornwall - NW of Penzance, inland from Morvah
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has two well-made drystone
defensive walls with granite facings. Within the 280 ft
(84 m) diameter inner wall are the remains of hut circles
and a well. The site also contains the remnants of a
smelting furnace and slag heaps of tin and iron.
At the foot of the hill are the remains of a
settlement with multiple-room stone houses.
NAME Chysauster Settlement
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Cornwall - N of Penzance, near Gulval
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Chysauster Settlement is a fine example of
multiple-room stone houses with central courtyards. The
site contains five well-defined homes and traces of others.
There are remnants of above-ground passageways and below-
ground fogous as well as hearths and drains.
NAME Dupath
TYPE sacred well
REGION Cornwall - Dupath, near Callington NW of
Plymouth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The clear waters of the spring, now housed in a
16th-century well chapel, are recommended for whooping
cough.
NAME Land of Lyonesse
TYPE drowned land
REGION Cornwall - between Land's End and the Isles of
Scilly
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The memory of the land which sunk below the
water at some point in prehistory is kept alive by the
local knowledge of its name.
NAME Madron
TYPE sacred wells
REGION Cornwall - Madron, W of Penzance
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are 2 wells outside this village: one in
the old ruins of a baptistry and the other now housed in a
circular stone framework. The clear waters from both are
recommended for many skin, nerve and muscle ailments.
NAME Men-an-Tol
TYPE stones (fertility / healing)
REGION Cornwall - NW of Penzance
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A circular-holed stone disk stands between two
phallic standing stones. The stones are associated with
fertility and healing.
NAME Rough Tor
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / springs
REGION Cornwall - Bodmin Moor S of Camelford
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Although the ramparts of Rough Tor are in a poor
state of repair, there are three springs and a heavy
concentration of hut circles and compounds.
NAME Rumps
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort
REGION Cornwall - near Polzeath
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has triple ramparts and sits high
on a neck of land jutting into the sea. Excavation has
revealed an active community involved in trade, suggested
by the finds of bones from domesticated animals, spinning
whorls, grinding stones, glass and metal ornaments, and
some Mediterranean wine amphorae. The circle huts were of
wood with thatch roofs; thatch weights have also been
found.
NAME Scarlett's Well
TYPE sacred well
REGION Cornwall - Bodmin, on Scarletts Well Road
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The waters of Scarlett's Well were renowned for
their general healing properties. The popularity of the
well incurred the wrath of some local authorities a few
centuries ago, but the water is again accessible.
NAME St Cuthbert's Well
TYPE sacred well / cairns / settlement
REGION Cornwall - SW of Newquay at Holywell
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This holy well is located at the mouth of one of
three adjacent seaside caves, and the approach is subject
to tidal conditions. The waters were known for their
healing qualities on immersion, and in the case of sickly
children it was customary to pass them through a hole in
the stones after immersion. There are remains of an
ancient settlement in the vicinity.
NAME St Levan's Well
TYPE sacred well
REGION Cornwall - St Levan at Porthgwarra Beaches near
Land's End
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well is surrounded by small walls and is
situated on a dramatic coastal site. Its waters are
recommended for eye and tooth ailments.
NAME St Martins Pipe Well
TYPE sacred well
REGION Cornwall - Liskeard, on Well Lane
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The healing waters of the four springs have been
somewhat contaminated due to the arrangement of the old
well house, where the waters from each spring are
channelled through four lead pipes.
NAME St Mary's
TYPE Iron Age settlement / cairn
REGION Cornwall - Isles of Scilly, near St Mary's
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are visible remains of hut circles near
the Neolithic Bant's Cairn.
NAME St Non's Well
TYPE sacred well
REGION Cornwall - S of Liskeard outside Duloe, on
Hobbs Lane
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well is housed in a small old well house
with carvings, and flanked by an ash and an oak tree. The
clear waters are recommended for soothing restless souls.
NAME Tintagel {Tin-taj-ell}
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort
REGION Cornwall - Tintagel, W of Camelford
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site, which may have been the headquarters
of the Dumnonii tribe, is now dominated by a medieval
fortress. The story of Arthur is linked with the site.
NAME Tregeare Rounds (Castle Dameliock)
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Cornwall - SW of Tintagel near Pendoggett
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress was the site where Gorlois, head
chieftain of Cornwall, defended himself against Arthur. The
defences consisted of three earth rings 1345 ft (410 m) in
diameter.
NAME Tregenna Chapel Well
TYPE sacred well
REGION Cornwall - Tregenna, near Blisland
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The surrounding lands of this ancient spring
were long considered sacred. The well itself is now in the
ruins of an old chapel. The clean waters are recommended
especially for eye ailments.
NAME Treryn Dinas
TYPE promontory fort / rocking stone
REGION Cornwall - near Penwith at St Levan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The large promontory fort with multiple ramparts
is also the site of a rocking stone.
NAME Trevelgue
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort
REGION Cornwall - near Newquay
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ancient fortress has lost much to the sea
but there are still seven ramparts across the neck and a
part of the fortress is now an island. There are also
ruins of a Roman signal station.
NAME Castle Rigg
TYPE stone circle
REGION Cumbria - just E of Keswick
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This stone circle, unlike a henge, is formed
from small uncut stones placed close together to form a
large circle on the mountaintop. An off-center rectangle
of stones inside the circle and a single standing stone
positioned 300 ft (90 m) away suggest that the site may
have had a special function. It is dated to the late 3rd
millenium BC.
NAME Aquae Arnemetiae
TYPE sacred springs (curative)
REGION Derbyshire - at Buxton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sacred mineral springs are presided over by
the Celtic goddess Arnemetia. The springs are recommended
in the treatment of gout, rheumatism and sciatica. The
springs are located in what used to be the territory of the
Cornovii tribe.
NAME Bakewell (Boudicca's Well)
TYPE curative sacred springs
REGION Derbyshire - at Bakewell
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The chalybeate warm springs were originally
named after Boudicca, and are renowned for their healing
qualities.
NAME Dartmoor National Park
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age settlements
REGION Devon - between Exeter and Plymouth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The park covers a large tract of land with many
stone huts in varing states of preservation. There are
also many standing stones, cairns and wild ponies.
NAME Hembury
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Devon - SW of Exeter near Ashburton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was occupied since the New Stone Age.
The Iron Age hillfort shows a well-defined entrance passage
and evidence of a hut site.
NAME Totnes
TYPE town
REGION Devon - Totnes, W of Torquay
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Totnes is the site where Brute and his allies
first settled in Britain when they landed 109 years after
the fall of Troy.
NAME Valley of the Rocks
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Devon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are remains of an impressive walled
village with circular huts and the valley itself is worth
seeing.
NAME Badbury Ring
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dorset - NW of Bournemouth past Wimbourne
Minster
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The large oval hillfort covers 18 acres (7 ha)
and boasts 3 ramparts with staggered entrances.
There are 3 Bronze Age round barrows nearby and the
Ackling Dyke touches the outer rampart.
NAME Cerne Abbas Giant
TYPE chalk drawing
REGION Dorset - Cerne Abbas, N of Dorchester
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The outline of the giant is 180 ft (55 m) long
and he is holding a 120 ft (36 m) club in his right hand.
The giant has a 30 ft (9 m) long erect penis. At the top
of the hill is a rectangular enclosure (called the Frying
Pan) which was used for fertility rites. The date when
this figure was cut is not known but Celtic mythology has
many club-wielding hero-gods.
NAME Hambledon Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dorset - near Blandford Forum
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site, which was occupied since Neolithic
times, covers an area of 30 acres (12 ha) enclosed by
triple ramparts with three entrances. Inside are
indications of hut circles and an extremely large long
barrow.
NAME Hengistbury Head
TYPE industrial site / promontory fort
REGION Dorset - just E of Bournemouth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort, across from Christchurch, overlooks a
natural harbour and is defended by double ramparts dating
from BC 700. Excavation reveals that the site, in the
Durotriges territory, was active in trade.
Glassware, coins and metal objects were produced on
the site and presumeably exported, and imports of jewellery
and pottery have been dated to BC 150. There are also
Bronze Age barrows on the promontory.
NAME Hod Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dorset - just NW of Blandford Forum
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Hod Hill was a large rectangular hillfort
destroyed by the invading Romans in AD 43. Finds at the
site include a decorated shield boss.
NAME Maiden Castle (Mai dun)
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dorset - SW of Dorchester
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In Neolithic times a settlement was established
on the hilltop. The next major construction began in BC
8th century when it was thought to be controlled by the
Durotriges tribe. Over the centuries the site was enlarged
to 120 acres (48 ha) with four massive ramparts, the inner
rampart having a circumference of 1.5 mi (2.5 km).
During the Roman invasion of AD 43-44 it is believed
the fortress was populated by survivors of the Veneti tribe
from Brittany. When the Romans finally gained entrance,
they slaughtered every man, woman, and child. Excavations
at the site uncovered stores of 20,000 sling-stones and the
remains of a Celt shot in the back by a Roman catapult.
NAME Pilsdon Pen
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dorset - NW of Bridport
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress is situated on a 900 ft high (275
m) hill giving it a commanding view of the surrounding
area.
NAME Camulodun (Fort of Camulos)
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Essex - Colchester
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In BC 15 Addedormarus, head chieftain of the
Trinovantes, moved his tribal center from Braughing to this
site. Around AD 10, Cunobel of the Catuvellauni conquered
the territory of the Trinovantes and other tribes and moved
his headquarters to the site, honoring their war god
Camulos by naming the site after him. In AD 43 the
invading Romans destroyed Camulodun and built Colchester.
In AD 61 the great Iceni chieftain Boudicca burnt
Colchester to the ground and slaughtered its inhabitants.
The 12 sq mi (31 sq km) site was bounded by the Colne
and Roman rivers and by earthworks now called Grymes' Dyke,
Lexden Dyke and Triple Dyke.
NAME Bagendon
TYPE Iron Age earthworks
REGION Gloucestershire - N of Cirencester
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The earthworks define a 200-acre site which was
the center of the Dobunni tribe.
NAME Bredon Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Gloucestershire - between Tewkesbury and Evesham
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Belgae hillfort was the site of a fierce
battle in AD 1st century. The entranceway once displayed
the skulls of the enemies that were taken in different
battles.
The small fort of Conderton Camp to the SE may have
originally been a cattle enclosure for Bredon Hill.
NAME Crickley Hill
TYPE Neolithic - Iron Age settlement / promontory
fort
REGION Gloucestershire - near Cheltenham
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was established around BC 4000 and in
BC 8th century, the natural defences of the promontory site
were supplemented with ramparts and a well-defined
entrance. Excavation revealed that the original huts were
rectangular but the later huts were of the circular style.
NAME Lydney Park
TYPE Iron Age earthworks
REGION Gloucestershire - near Lydney
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Celtic sanctuary to the god Nodons situated
on the Severn Estuary was turned into a commercial venture
by the Romans.
NAME Uley Bury
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Gloucestershire - Cotswolds E of Dursley
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is an impressive site for a double-rampart
hillfort covering 32 acres (13 ha). The fortress had three
entrance tunnels and dates from BC 4th century. There is a
Neolithic long barrow (Hetty Pegler's Tump) nearby.
NAME Beacon Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Hampshire - S of Newbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort was built in the shape of an hour-glass
with an interesting entrance. Circular hut depressions
still remain.
NAME Butser Hill (Queen Elizabeth Country Park)
TYPE settlement (Iron Age reconstruction)
REGION Hampshire - South Downs near Petersfield
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This site is a working reconstruction of an Iron
Age farm. The house, barns, outbuildings, animals, and
crops are all reminiscent of the old Celtic way of life.
NAME Danebury
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Hampshire - near Stockbridge, SW of Andover
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The triple rampart fortress was developed over a
period of four centuries or more. Excavations reveal that
the inhabitants were involved in the making of wood, metal
and clay objects as well as farming. Skulls of horses were
found in the underground storage area.
NAME Mizmaze
TYPE turf maze
REGION Hampshire - NW of Fordingbridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ancient turf maze is approximately 90 ft (27
m) in diameter and is surrounded by yew trees.
NAME Whitsbury
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Hampshire - NW of Fordingbridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site covers 16 acres (6 ha), has 3 ramparts
and ditches and at one time had circular timber huts.
NAME Arthur's Stone
TYPE long barrow (Neolithic)
REGION Hereford & Worcester - by Dorstone, W of
Hereford
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This dolmen has a large capstone supported by
nine upright slabs to form the chamber. The reference to
Arthur in naming dolmens is common in southern England.
NAME Croft Ambrey
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Herefordshire - near Bircher, SW of Ludlow
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress had multiple ramparts which enclose
a site of 40 acres (16 ha). The hillfort was in use
between BC 5th and AD 1st centuries and underwent several
changes.
NAME Hereford Beacon
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Hereford and Worcester - near Little Malvern
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The multiple ramparts of this large hillfort
follow the contours of the ridge site, creating an elegant
design. Hut sites are now visible only as depressions in
the ground, and the medieval castle built inside the
circular inner ramparts interferes with the evocation of
Iron Age times. Another hillfort lies a few miles south of
the site.
NAME Kilpeck Church
TYPE sheila-na-gig
REGION Herefordshire - Kilpeck SW of Hereford
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The figure of a sheila-na-gig is carved into the
church.
NAME King Arthur's Cave
TYPE cave (settlement)
REGION Hereford & Worcester - near Whitchurch, NE of
Monmouth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cave has two large chambers and overlooks
the river Wye. It has served as a home to many wild
animals as well as humans from the Mesolithic to the Iron
Age. Finds from the site include bones of bison, Irish
elk, lion, mammoth and woolly rhinoceros, as well as tools
and weapons.
NAME Devil's Dyke / Slad / Beech Bottom
TYPE earthworks
REGION Hertfordshire - near Wheathampstead
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The three earthworks are reputed to have been
used by Cassubellaunos to enclose his headquarters during
the Roman Invasion. The massive earthworks have ditches up
to 130 ft (40 m) wide and 40 ft (12 m) deep.
There is also a hillfort just east of Wheathampstead
which would have belonged to the Catuvellauni tribe.
NAME Prae Wood
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Hertfordshire - St Albans
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Prae Wood was a Catuvellauni stronghold against
the invading Romans. After it fell, the Romans built the
town of Verulamium at the foot of the hill. During the
Iceni revolt against Rome in AD 59, Boudicca and her
warriors slaughtered the inhabitants and destroyed the
site.
NAME Burrough Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Leicestershire - S of Melton Mowbray near
Somerby
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort was contructed 600 feet above sea-
level and its double walls filled with rubble. It was
probably a centre of the Coritani tribe. The fort had a
long passageway into the fort which increased the danger to
any attackers. Grinding stones and bones of domesticated
animals have been excavated from the site.
NAME Cockley Cley
TYPE sacred spring / Iceni village (reconstructed)
REGION Norfolk - S of Swaffham
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Cockley Cley is a reconstruction of a mud-and-
wattle Iceni village from the time period of Boudicca. The
village has a defensive palisade with a wooden gateway
displaying the skulls of slain enemies. There are
reconstructions of circle huts, a sacrificial pit and a
sacred spring with very cold water.
NAME Warham Camp
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Norfolk - N of Fakenham near Warham
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-preserved circular hillfort had its
large double ramparts bisected by the River Stiffkey when
it was diverted a couple of centuries ago.
NAME Thornborough Henges
TYPE earthworks
REGION North Yorkshire - N of Ripon
REMARKS Three earth circles of about 800 ft (250 m) in
diameter are evenly spaced on a NW/SE axis with their
entrances in alignment. The structures were originally
faced with gypsum crystals.
NAME Celtic Community
TYPE community
REGION Northumberland
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Dr. Anne Ross claims to have discovered a
community which still venerates some of the Celtic deities.
In respect for the inhabitants the location is not
disclosed.
NAME Dod Law
TYPE hillfort / stone circle / cup-and-ring markings
/ sacred well
REGION Northumberland - Doddington Moor, near Wooler
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort has double ramparts which enclose a
small area with hut circles and another area suspected to
have been the barnyard. Nearby is a larger field also
protected by a rampart with a funnel entrance, probably for
animals.
A sacred well, a stone circle, and several rocks with
cup-and-ring markings are in the vicinity.
NAME Hadrian's Wall
TYPE defensive stone wall
REGION Northumberland - from Newcastle to Solway Firth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The wall was built by the Romans in an attempt
to keep the free wild Celtic tribes out of the conquered
and domesticated territory to the south.
NAME Southwell / Norwell
TYPE sacred wells
REGION Nottinghamshire - W of Newark-on-Trent
MAP REF 0
REMARKS These two towns 7 miles (11 km) apart gained
their names from the sacred waters there.
NAME Uffington Castle
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Oxfordshire - E of Swindon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS It is believed that the hillfort was occupied by
the Catuvellauni tribe of the Belgae. The rampart was
faced with sarsen stone reinforced with timbers. (See also
White Horse of Uffington.)
NAME White Horse of Uffington
TYPE chalk drawing
REGION Oxfordshire - E of Swindon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The 375 ft (115 m) outline of a horse is cut
through the turf to expose the chalk underneath, creating a
drawing highly visible from a distance. It is believed
that the Catuvellauni tribe from the nearby Uffington
Castle were responsible for the cutting, or at least
continued the upkeep of the drawing, as a symbol of their
deity Epona. (See also Uffington Castle)
Others believe the chalk drawing originated in the
Bronze Age because of its style. Another opinion claims
the drawing depicts the white dragon and the Horse of
Tysoe, once visible near Banbury, Warwickshire, depicts the
red dragon.
NAME Caer Caradoc
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Shropshire - just NE of Church Stretton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is the most likely site where Caratacus
made his last stand against the invading Roman imperialists
in AD 50 after 8 successful years of guerilla warfare.
NAME Old Oswestry
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / dykes / sacred well
REGION Shropshire - just N of Oswestry
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort in the territory of the Cornovii,
dating from BC 5th century, boasts five ramparts most
likely constructed in three stages. A later earthwork,
Wat's Dyke, passes by the outer ramparts and Offa's Dyke
passes a few miles to the west.
St Oswald's Well in nearby Oswestry has long been
known for its healing powers.
NAME The Portway
TYPE track
REGION Shropshire - The Long Mynd, W of Church Stretton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The trackway, dating from Neolithic times and
passing many Bronze Age cairns, was doubtless used by the
Celts such as those living at nearby Caer Caradoc.
NAME Wrekin
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Shropshire - W of Telford
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress was the center for the Cornovii
tribe and overlooked the Welsh Marches. The fortress has
two ramparts and outer defences.
NAME Cadbury Castle
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Somerset - South Cadbury, NE of Yeovil
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-preserved hillfort has four ramparts
and is believed by some to be the site of Camelot.
NAME Glastonbury
TYPE Bronze Age crannog
REGION Somerset - Glastonbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This artifical island community is a good
example of a crannog. It covered an area of 3.5 acres (1.5
ha) and enclosed 90 wattle-and-daub huts up to 35 ft (10 m)
across.
The name Glastonbury indicates that woad, a plant whose
dye was used for body tattooing, was cultivated in the
area. Finds at the site include turned wooden bowls, saws,
carts and dug-out canoes.
NAME Tarr Steps
TYPE bridge
REGION Somerset - Tarr, in the southern region of
Exmoor Park
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ancient bridge was constructed around BC
1000 with massive flagstones to provide a crossing over the
River Barle. The name might relate to the deity Taranis,
who was referred to as Taran in England.
A similar bridge exists in the province of A Corunna,
Spain at Estraeio.
NAME Wells
TYPE springs
REGION Somerset - city of Wells
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The abundant natural springs at the site were
extremely sacred to the Celts. The conquering Christian
religion, in an attempt to divert the veneration, built a
monastery and monumental cathedral. The main springs,
called St Andrew's Well, are in the gardens of the Bishop's
Palace.
NAME Wookey Hole
TYPE cave (settlement) / well
REGION Somerset - Wookey Hole, SW of Cheddar
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Axe river flows through a Celtic settlement
that was still in use after the Roman conquest. Fourteen
skulls from humans between 25 and 30 years old were found
in the sacrificial well on the site.
NAME Worlebury
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Somerset
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort has remains of grain pits. It was
attacked by the invading Romans who slaughtered the
inhabitants and destroyed the fortress.
NAME Thor's Cave
TYPE cave
REGION Staffordshire - Peaks district near Wetton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cave was used by Iron Age Celts for a
settlement.
NAME Pilgrim's Way
TYPE track
REGION Surrey / Kent
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ancient track went from the Celtic
settlement of Winchester (Venta Belgarum) through another
Celtic village at Canterbury (Durovernon) to the coast. The
pathway then continued through France and crossed over the
Pyrenees into Spain and on to the sacred Celtic site of
Cabo Fisterra in Galicia. Pilgrim's Way has numerous yew
trees growing along it and is only one of a newtwork of
paths dating back to Neolithic times connecting many sacred
sites.
Many of the sites had Christian structures erected in
order to eliminate the Celtic religion but some have been
rediscovered as the old paths are being revived.
NAME Chanctonbury Ring
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Sussex - just NW of Steyring
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The 800 ft (250 m) elevation of this site gives
it commanding views of the surrounding downs and the sea.
The inner rampart encloses an oval-shaped area of 400 x 500
ft (120x150 m). There are other defences farther down the
hill. After the Roman invasions there was a Celto-Roman
temple built on the site.
NAME Cissbury Ring
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Sussex - just N of Worthing
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site started out as a Neolithic flint mine
around BC 3600. All that remains now are depressions
marking the collapsed shafts.
In BC 5th century a large rampart was erected to
enclose 50 acres (20 ha), making it one of the largest
forts in England.
NAME Itford Hill
TYPE Bronze Age settlement
REGION Sussex - SE of Lewis
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The settlement dates from BC 12 century, and
contained circular timber-framed houses of 20 ft (6 m) in
diameter.
NAME Kingley Vale
TYPE forest (Yew)
REGION Sussex - Stoughton, NW of Chichester
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a living example of a yew forest and is
one of the largest remaining in Europe. The walk leads by
some barrows and to the east on the other side of the
highway is a hillfort called The Trundle.
NAME Mount Caburn
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Sussex - Lewes Station
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The 3.5 acre (1.5 ha) site has a single rampart
and ditch. The fort overlooks the Ouse valley and dates
from BC 500. There are many tumuli in the area.
NAME Wolstonbury Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Sussex - Pyecombe Church, N of Brighton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress is unusual in that the ditch is on
the inside of the rampart. The site may have been
connected with the Wealden iron ore find.
NAME Avebury
TYPE Neolithic henge
REGION Wiltshire - W of Marlborough
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Construction on this impressive henge began
around BC 3300 with the placement of 100 sarsen stones.
There are two smaller stone circles within it and it is
surrounded by a bank and a ditch with a diameter of over
1300 ft (400 m) and a combined height of 55 ft (17 m).
Two sinuous avenues join it with 2 other stone
circles. One of the two is named The Sanctuary and is
located on Overton Hill. Its design was 2 concentric stone
circles (still visible) and 3 inner concentric circles of
wood (now disappeared). Skulls and Bronze Age implements
have been uncovered at the site.
NAME Figsbury Rings
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Wiltshire - NE of Salisbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A single rampart with inner ditch encloses a 15
acre (6 ha) site with a commanding view of the vicinity.
NAME Old Sarum
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Wiltshire - just N of Salisbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Old Sarum was a Celtic hillfort overlooking the
Silbury Plain. It was later occupied by the Romans, then
the Saxons.
NAME Silbury Hill
TYPE Bronze Age mound
REGION Wiltshire - just S of Avebury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Silbury is the largest known artificial mound in
Europe, being 135 ft (40 m) high, and 550 ft (170 m). The
mound was begun in BC 22nd century and has gone through
four stages of enlargement. Inefficient probing has
discovered nothing and has weakened the structure.
NAME Stonehenge
TYPE calendar / stone circle (Bronze Age henge)
REGION Wiltshire - N of Salisbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The construction of Stonehenge was begun between
BC 3100-2800 when a circular ditch with a rampart was
built. Cremation burials pits were dug inside the
enclosure.
In BC 2600 the axis of the megalithic site was changed
and a double circle of bluestones was added. Four station
stones were also put into position to aid in astronomical
observations.
In BC 2300 the site was again altered when the
bluestones were taken down. An outer ring of sarsen stones
linked with lintels and an inner ring of trilithons were
erected.
The final stage of Stonehenge was completed between BC
1600-1500 when the bluestones were re-established in an
oval shape within the outer circle of sarsen stones. Holes
were dug outside the circle and the avenue was lengthened
to reach the Avon river.
The calendar uses the formula of 19+19+18=56 years to
coordinate solar and lunar movements including eclipses.
The sun god Belenos was said to visit the site every 19
years (18 years 11 1/3 days) and perform on his harp.
NAME Wessex Shire Park
TYPE Iron Age Farmstead
REGION Wiltshire - Salisbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The park illustrates Iron Age farming methods
using horses. It also has a collection of traditional
breeds of animals.
NAME Windmill Hill
TYPE Neolithic / Bronze earthwork
REGION Wiltshire - just NW of Avebury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Windmill Hill is a Neolithic earthwork dating
from BC 3500 with continuous use throughout the Bronze Age
when round barrows were constructed. Flint tools, hide
scrapers, pottery, carcasses of whole young pigs and goats,
and an amulet with ogham letters are among the finds from
this site.
NAME Yarnbury
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Wiltshire
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort contains a 30 acre (12 m) site with
its triple ramparts and two ditches.
NAME Ingleborough
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Yorkshire - near Chapel le Dale
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort was a Brigantes stronghold covering
a 15 acre (6 ha) site and was protected by crags, a steep
approach and a stone wall defence. Many of the hut circles
are still visible when the fog lifts. There is a path that
starts at a pub by the highway.
NAME Noonside Rock of Brimham
TYPE sacred site
REGION Yorkshire - Brimham
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was a center for druidical activities.
Great fires were lit on top of the rock for the festivals.
NAME Staple Howe
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Yorkshire
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The original farmstead had a stone house, later
replaced by two wooden ones and a granary. There is a path
leading to the hilltop where the site is laid out.
NAME Tofts Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Yorkshire - Stanwick-St-John
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort was used by Venutios when he fought
against his wife Cartimandua and her Roman allies. The
site was originally a few acres in size and had a single
rampart. The Brigantes enlarged the defences to protect an
area of over 700 acres (300 ha).
FRANCE
NAME Mont Bego
TYPE pictographs
REGION Alpes-Maritimes - France/Italy border, near
Tende -- Vallιe des Merveilles -
Fontanalba -
Sabbione Pass
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The remote region contains some 50,000 rock
drawings dating from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. The
drawings depict weapons, horned animals, snakes, human
figures and various images more difficult to decipher.
NAME Verdoline
TYPE dolmen
REGION Alpes Maritimes - W of Nice near Grasse
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen is located just south of the village
St-Vallier-de-Thiey. The area contains numerous Bronze Age
relics.
NAME Mont Ste-Odile
TYPE mound / defensive wall
REGION Alsace-et-Lorraine - near Ottrott
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There is a 2500 ft (760 m) mound surrounded by a
6 m (10 km) wall which is 12 ft (3.5 m) high and several
feet thick in some places.
NAME Bourges
TYPE battlefield
REGION Auvergne - Bourges
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The city was the capital of the Bituriges tribe.
In BC 52 the Romans attacked the oppidum and almost all of
the 40,000 Celts were slaughtered.
NAME Glanon
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Bouches-du-Rhτne - S of Avignon near St-Rιmy
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Glanon is a sacred spring at the heart of a
ravine in the Alpilles mountains.
NAME Roquepertuse
TYPE sanctuary (hilltop)
REGION Bouches-du-Rhτne - NW of Marseilles
MAP REF 0
REMARKS To enter the sanctuary a person had to pass
through the gateway of the pillars of skulls entering into
The Otherworld of the gods and death. This was the end of
the line for sacrifices and a chance for the warrior to pay
his or her debt to the deities.
The sanctuary shows evidence of having been in
existence from BC 6th century until it was destroyed by the
Romans. The stone of the sanctuary contained reliefs of
horses, a carving of a janiform head separated by a goose,
and depictions of crosslegged warriors.
NAME Carnac
TYPE standing stones
REGION Brittany - Quiberon peninsula, E of Lorient
MAP REF 0
REMARKS At the north end of Quiberon Bay stands the
early Bronze Age megalithic monument dating from around BC
4500. There were close to 3000 standing stones, falling
under three alignments -- Menec, Kermario and Kerlescan.
NAME Erdeven
TYPE standing stones
REGION Brittany - south coast, by Carnac
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The alignment of Erdeven had 1129 standing
stones arranged in 13 rows.
NAME Fontaine de Jouvence / Tombeau de
Merlin
TYPE sacred spring / cairn
REGION Brittany - Les Forges de Paimpont W of Rennes
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The modern-day fountain is supplied with water
by a sacred spring that is reputed to have rejuvenating
qualities.
Nearby is the Tombeau de Merlin, where the two visible
flat rocks are reputed to cover the grave of Merlin, and if
water from the Fontaine de Jouvence is sprinkled on them it
is said to sometimes cause thunder.
NAME Fountain of Barenton
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Brittany - near Trehorenteuc in the Forκt de
Broceliande
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A druidic spring, now a fountain, is reputed to
clear the mind of turmoil. The area played an important
part in the history of Arthur. The region even boasts its
own modern-day druids who are no doubt as ignorant of the
ancient knowledge as those in England and Wales.
NAME Ile de Gavrinis
TYPE tumulus / stone circles
REGION Brittany - the island of Gavrinis (boat from
Larmor-Baden) near Lorient
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is one of the most impressive megalithic
sites in Brittany. The stone for the roof is a piece of
the same stone used on the Merchants Table. The inside is
of the tumulus is marked with many symbols. Someone opened
the top of the grave site in 1981 and caused considerable
damage.
There are two stone circles that can be viewed from
the island, and one is underwater which is interesting
viewing for those who can swim.
NAME Ys (Is)
TYPE sunken city
REGION Brittany - near Douarnenez
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is claimed to be the sunken capital of the
Celtic territory of Cornouaille (Cornwall) and may be the
site sacked by Odysseus known as Ismarus.
NAME Keriaval
TYPE dolmens
REGION Brittany - N side of D768
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are three dolmens at this site and the one
still standing is incribed in symbols.
NAME La Roche Tremblante
TYPE rocking stone
REGION Brittany - Huelgoat village
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The rock is a huge 100 ton boulder in the Parc
Regional d'Armorique moves when pushed.
NAME Lanrivoare
TYPE cursing stones
REGION Brittany - NW of St-Renan near Brest
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The graveyard was built around 8 cursing-stones
which mark the graves of 7777 people from a 5th century
massacre. Curses are evoked over the stones, then they are
turned around seven times.
NAME Locronan
TYPE sacred hill
REGION Brittany - NW of Quimper
MAP REF 0
REMARKS At Locronan there is a path that circles a
sacred hill. It has 12 stones along it and every 7 years
the participants start in the west and head north, then to
the east, climb the hill and then descend toward the south
where there is a massive stone which is to be circled 3
times.
NAME Men-Marz (Stone of Miracles)
TYPE standing stone
REGION Brittany - Brignogan-Place on the Cτte des Abers
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The 30 foot (9.5 m) stone was such a powerful
healing stone to the Celts of the local area that the
Christians disfigured it with a cross in an attempt to de-
paganize it.
NAME Menhir de Kerloas
TYPE standing stone (fertility stone)
REGION Brittany - near Brest 5 km NW of St-Renan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In a field on the old Plouarzel road stands the
tallest menhir in Europe, still 37 ft (11 m) high after
being decapitated by lightning.
NAME Mortier
TYPE sacred area
REGION Brittany
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Breton folklore abounds here, and the "White
Lady" is said to hover over the misty marshes still. Those
who follow her voice may never return.
NAME Point de Lostmarc'h
TYPE promontory fort
REGION Brittany - Bay of Douarnenez NW of Quimper
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are ruins of a promontory fort on the
peninsula, probably belonging to the Osismii tribe.
NAME Quimper
TYPE town
REGION Brittany - Quimper
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Quimper was founded by the Celtic chieftain
Gradlon when Ys sank beneath the sea. It was built at the
confluence of two rivers: the Odet and the Steir. Old
Quimper houses the Celtic Shop (Ar Bed Keltiek) and the
Breton music shop (Keltia-Musique).
NAME Roche-aux-Fees (Fairies' Rock)
TYPE standing stones
REGION Brittany - near Esse S of Rennes
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The standing stones form a passage some 65 ft
(20 m) in length. It is said that on a full moon if lovers
can reach reach the same tally when counting the stones
they will have exceedingly good luck. Some of the boulders
weigh up to 40 tons.
NAME Sein Island
TYPE sacred island (Land of the Dead)
REGION Brittany - Baie des Trepasses (Bay of Souls)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is The Land of the Dead for the Celts of
the area. Local lore says that druids are buried there.
NAME Table des Marchands
TYPE dolmen / pictographs
REGION Brittany - near Locmariaquer E of Lorient
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen has numerous etchings on it. The
carvings include depictions of a solar ship, double axe and
other symbols. The dolmen used to be on top of the ground
but was reburied for its protection.
Recent discoveries have shown that the roof stone is
only one piece of a larger stone whose pieces were used as
roof stones for three other sites. This is an active
archaeologists' site but can be explored by the public.
NAME Tumulus of Barnenez
TYPE long barrow (Neolithic)
REGION Brittany - Finistθre
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Plouezoc'h at the mouth of the Morlaix river has
the Tumulus of Barnenez which is dated to the late 5th
millenium. It is one of the most impressive megalithic
structures in France.
The tumulus was discovered in the mid-20th century
when locals began to remove stones from the mound for
roadbuilding. The eleven burial chambers are covered by
remarkable drystone walls measuring 246 x 82 x 26 ft
(75x25x8 m). Legend says that a tunnel reaches out under
the sea. There is a small on-site museum.
NAME Tumulus St-Michel
TYPE tumulus
REGION Brittany - near Menec (Carnac)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The oval-shaped tumulus 400 ft (120 m) long has
been disfigured by the addition of a small chapel.
NAME Venus de Quinipily
TYPE sculpture (stone fertility goddess)
REGION Brittany - by Baud NE of Lorient
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This ancient lady was the center of attraction
for the local pagans. Christians, offended by her naked
body, attempted to drown her a number of times but she was
always rescued. Finally in an attempt to appease those
offended by certain parts of her body, someone sculpted
clothing onto her and so far this seems to have calmed them
down.
NAME Alesia
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Burgundy - NW of Dijon at Mont Auxois, Alise-
Ste-Reine
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress belonged to the Mandubii tribe and
was the site of the last stand by the Gauls under
Vercingetorix against the hordes of Imperial Rome in the
year BC 52. The fortress was built on a hill and was
surrounded by a wall with a rampart and ditch lower down
the hill. Excavations at the site uncovered bronze wheels
as well as small pots in groups of 9. The Ose and Oserain
rivers flow past the ruins.
A modern full-scale reproduction has been constructed
near Beaune in the same region.
NAME Quarre-les-Tombes
TYPE burial site
REGION Burgundy - near Avallon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A ring of empty prehistoric tombs surround a
little church.
NAME Cevennes Mountains
TYPE chestnut forest / sacred site
REGION Cevennes - Mediterranean side
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are still many chestnut trees of the once
large forests which supplied food, baskets, wood etc. for
the local Celts. Until 1868 a Celtic festival was held
beside a lake in the mountains. Sacrifices and votive
offerings were made to the deities of this area which
contains the headwaters of 8 rivers.
NAME Beire-le-Chatel
TYPE curative spring
REGION Cτte-d'Or - NW of Dijon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The spring was the site of veneration for
Ianuaria, the deity who would play soothing music to help
augment the healing effect of the waters.
NAME Sources-de-la-Seine
TYPE sacred site / spring
REGION Cτte d'Or - near Dijon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There is a sacred spring called Fontes Sequanae
in a grove at the headwaters of the Seine where the Celts
worshipped the goddess of the river. At one time it
contained an oak-shaded shrine to the goddess Sequana. The
Celts left carvings of their bodies or the afflicted parts
of their bodies.
NAME Vertault
TYPE excavation
REGION Cτte d'Or
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site presents an example of the construction
of a Celtic defence which was typical as far back as BC
1000. Timbers were laid out in criss-cross fashion and
then filled with rocks and faced with cut stone. A earthen
slope was built on the inside to allow easy access.
NAME Borie du Bois Dolmen
TYPE dolmen
REGION Dordogne - Quercy, Causse de Limogne
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is one of the most impressive dolmens in
the region.
NAME Dordogne
TYPE Clochans (beehive huts)
REGION Dordogne
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Clochans, ideal for meditation, self-hypnosis or
even saunas, are found in many Celtic areas from Ireland
through the continent to the Mediterranean.
NAME Gouffre de Padirac
TYPE cave
REGION Dordogne - Haut Quercy, W of St-Cere
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The area has an impressive series of caves and
underground streams.
NAME Grotte du Pech-merle
TYPE caves
REGION Dordogne - Figeacois - NE of Cahors
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A two-hour walk leads through impressive
prehistoric galleries of paintings and petrified
footprints. On site is the Amedee Lemozi Museum.
NAME Puy d'Issolud
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dordogne - Haut Quercy, 14 km E of Martel
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This hillfort is located on top of a volcanic
cone and is surrounded by ramparts and a drystone wall.
This is reputed to be the site of Uxcellodunum, although
the town of Capdenac-le-Haut makes the same claim. Finds
from this site are in the Musee de la Raymondie.
NAME St Antonin-Noble-Val
TYPE spring
REGION Dordogne - NE of Montauban
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Besides the sacred spring, there is a museum of
local history and prehistory to visit.
NAME Vesone
TYPE sacred well
REGION Dordogne - Perigueux
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Petrocorii tribe built their center close to
this sacred well. The site of the original Gaulish
settlement is now called La Citι.
NAME Chartres
TYPE sacred well
REGION Eure-et-Loir - Chartres
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site on the Eure river where the druids
gathered each year was confiscated by the Christians who
erected a cathedral over it. The well which was used in
the Druidic ceremonies can still be reached through the
crypt.
NAME Nages
TYPE village
REGION Gard - W of Nξmes
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site of a hillfort settlement that was the
chief oppidum of the Volcae Arcomici tribe. At one time
there were 24 settlements in the area.
NAME Nξmes
TYPE sacred site
REGION Gard - Nξmes
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The spring was an important site where the deity
Nemausos was venerated.
NAME Bourbonne-les-Bains
TYPE hot springs
REGION Haute-Marne - Bourbonne-les-Bains
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hot springs which are high in sodium
chloride are known for their treatment of rheumatism. They
were sacred to the Lingones tribe, Goidel Celts who moved
into the area by BC 6th century.
NAME Parc Asterix
TYPE park (theme)
REGION Ile de France - Plailly, 32 km N of Paris
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The theme park centers around the cartoon
character Asterix and his cohorts, presenting a witty and
amusingly accurate portrayal of Celtic life at the time of
the Roman occupation.
NAME Dax
TYPE hot springs / mud baths
REGION Landes - at Dax on the Adour river
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hot springs are recommended for rheumatism.
The mud contains a radioactive algae and is also reported
to have healing qualities.
NAME Cahors
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Lot - Cahors
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sacred spring, once in the territory of the
Cadurci, is now known as the Fontaine des Chartreux and
still supplies holy water for the town.
NAME La Gorge Meillet
TYPE chariot grave (reconstruction)
REGION Marne - Somme-Tourbe NE of Chβlons
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This site provides the opportunity to see a
reconstruction of a chariot grave which was common in the
region. A bronze helmet decorated with coral was one of
the artifacts uncovered at the grave.
Chariot burials of the 2-wheeled and the more common
4-wheeled wagon burials have been found as early as BC 3rd
millenium on the Ukranian steppes. The practice lost
popularity during the Bronze Age when the Urnfield culture
was predominant but regained importance for warriors and
chieftains during the Hallstatt period.
NAME Bagnθres de Luchon
TYPE hot springs
REGION Midi-Pyrenees - SE of Arreau
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hot sulphur springs, known since ancient
times, are reputed to be good for vocal cords. They are
situated in a valley of the Pyrenees.
NAME Chκne a la Cuve
TYPE oak tree
REGION Normandy - Forκt de Brontonne
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This unusual oak would have delighted any druid
because it has four distinct trees growing from one trunk
just above ground level.
NAME La Haye-de-Routot
TYPE yew tree / fire festival
REGION Normandy - La Haye Du Routot
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The giant yew trees in the churchyard are over a
thousand years old. The church has tried to divert their
pagan connotations by building a chapel in one and an
oratory in the other. The village also celebrates a fire
festival on July 16th with bonfires and fireworks.
NAME Mont Dol
TYPE sacred mountain
REGION Normandy - near Dol-de-Bretagne
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was a holy place to the ancient Celts
and as with many important Celtic holy sites it has been
marred by the construction of a Christian building.
NAME Aix-en-Provence
TYPE curative spring
REGION Provence - N of Marseilles
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are warm mineral spring with curative
powers that were held sacred to the local Celts (Salyes and
Salluvii).
NAME Entremont
TYPE Iron Age sanctuary
REGION Provence - 3 km N of Aix-en-Provence
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Built around BC 300, Entremont was the seat of
power for the Celtic-Ligurian Salyes tribe. The stone
sanctuary built on the top of the hill was also used by
their clients the Salluvii. The town was sacked by the
Romans in BC 124, spelling the end of their tribal power.
The finds at the site include a stone structure with carved
skulls, niches for real skulls and carvings of severed
heads.
NAME Source-de-la-Roche
TYPE sacred springs
REGION Puy-de-Dτme - S of Clermont-Ferrand at
Chamaliθres
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Mabon, a deity of healing, was venerated at this
site in the region of the Arverni tribe where 2 mineral
springs gushed from the ground forming a pool in a sacred
valley. Offerings found at the site included over 2000
wooden carvings, mostly focussing on the eyes and head.
NAME Lyon (Lugdunum - fortress of Lug)
TYPE fortress
REGION Rhτne - Lyon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The old Celtic fortress belonging to the
Segusiavi tribe was strategically situated at the
confluence of two rivers, the Rhτne and Saτne, and named
after the god Lugh (Lion). The area is also called The
Hill of The Ravens. Ravens were known as Lugh's
messengers.
NAME Bibracte
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Saone-et-Loire - Mont Beuvray, W of Autun
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In 1867 excavations on the summit of the 2700 ft
(820 m) mountain revealed the site of an industrial
settlement belonging to the Ζdui tribe. In BC 1st century
the town was flourishing with the activities of smiths,
saddlers, weavers and enamellers working their arts.
Approximately 3 miles (4.5 km) of nailed timber-framed
and timber-laced ramparts enclosed an inner area of 60
acres (24 ha). Excavations revealed iron and bronze tools,
smiths' tongs, crucibles, balances, horse trappings,
jewelry and coins.
NAME Ecuisses
TYPE village
REGION Saone-et-Loire
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The village was originally settled by Irish who
called it Scotiae.
NAME Bories
TYPE village
REGION Vaucluse - near Gordes
MAP REF 0
REMARKS An ancient village of corbelled roofed huts that
were only vacated in mid 19th century. The village has
been restored and is open to the public. The site was
probably in the territory of the Vocontii or the
Tricastini.
GERMANY
NAME Cambodunum Archeological Park
TYPE hot springs / sacred site
REGION Bavaria - Kempten
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This was a Celtic settlement before being taken
over by the Romans. There are also Gallo-Roman remains of
a temple.
NAME Manching
TYPE Iron Age industrial settlement
REGION Bavaria - Ingolstadt district
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Manching was the capital of the Vindelici tribe,
and covered an area of almost 1000 acres (400 ha) encircled
by over 4 miles (6.5 km) of timber-framed timber-laced
ramparts strengthened with iron nails at the joints. A
tributary of the Danube which formed one of the boundaries
of the site guaranteed an ample water supply and would have
aided in transport of goods and materials.
Objects of iron, bronze, gold, glass, clay, leather
etc. were mass-produced and coins were minted. It was
destroyed in AD 15 by the Romans who were fearful of its
capacity for such mass production.
NAME Mόnsterhόgel
TYPE fortress (oppidum)
REGION Rhine - near Basel
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A hoard found nearby on the banks of the Rhine
included two gilded torcs and coins, including some from
the Boii tribe.
NAME Niederzier
TYPE fortified settlement
REGION Rhineland - W of Cologne
REMARKS Finds at the site included three torcs and 50
coins, some of the Ambiani tribe.
NAME Steinsburg
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Romhild - Thuringia
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress is near the headwaters of the
Weisser river.
NAME Rennstieg
TYPE track
REGION Thuringia
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This ancient track followed the ridge of the
Thuringer Wald and was the northern boundary of the Celtic
homeland, separating them from the territory of the German
tribes.
NAME Greater Heuneburg
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION upper Danube, near Siegmaringen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The defenses of the hillfort follow the contour
of the hill. Nearby are several graves, such as those of
the Hohmichele long barrow dating from BC 6th century in
which the occupants were sent to The Otherworld with all
the necessities: wagon, longbow, basket, cauldron, jewelry
and a robe embroidered with Chinese silk.
IRELAND
NAME Grand Canal
TYPE canals
MAP REF 0
REMARKS It is possible to take a boat down the Grand
Canal from Dublin to the tidal locks at St Mullins then
down the Shannon river to the Atlantic.
An intersection at Robertstown allows a boater to
connect up with the river Barrow which leads south to
Waterford. There are also the Royal and Anllan canals as
well as many interesting waterways to travel throughout
Ireland.
NAME Fairy Hill (Tieveragh Hill)
TYPE mound
REGION Antrim - N of the village of Cushendall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The artificial hill was built to a height of 450
ft (140 m).
NAME Giant's Causeway
TYPE stone (underwater causeway)
REGION Antrim - N of Bushmills
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The underwater causeway runs from the north
coast of Ireland to Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa in
Scotland. A lower water level would explain how the
ancients knew of the existence of the geological formation.
The spectacular causeway is made from basalt lava that
cooled and cracked into polygonal pillars.
NAME Lough na Cranagh
TYPE crannog
REGION Antrim - E of Ballycastle
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The man-made island is reinforced with a
protective wall.
NAME Ossian's Grave
TYPE burial site
REGION Antrim - N of the village of Cushendall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is thought to be the grave site of Oisin, a
chieftain of the Munster Fianna, although another version
places his burial at Ben Edair at Howth.
NAME Clochan-na-Carraige
TYPE clochan (beehive hut)
REGION Aran Islands - Inishmore, near Kilmurvey
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This structure is a well-preserved example of a
large clochan. The hut has two small low doors, two air
holes in the roof, a wall 4 ft (1 m) thick at the base and
allows a headroom of 8 ft (2.5 m).
NAME Dun Aonghusa / Dun Aengus
TYPE Iron Age coastal fort
REGION Aran Islands - Inishmore just outside Kilmurvey
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress was built in BC 1st century by the
Firbolg on a 250ft (80 m) cliff. The fortress covers an 11
acre (4.5 ha) site and it is claimed that on certain days
Hy-Breasail is visible from its vantage point.
Three stone walls contributed to its defences,
although the cliff is now eraoding and the fort is falling
into the sea. The inner wall is 20 ft (6 m) high, with a
walkway on top and passages and chambers inside. Outside
the outer wall are dragon's teeth (upright pointed stones)
which made it very difficult to approach.
NAME Dun Conchuir / Dun Fearbhai
TYPE Iron Age fortresses
REGION Aran islands - on Inishmaan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-preserved oval-shaped fortress of Dun
Conchuir had a massive wall with a commanding view of the
valley. Nearby is a smaller fortress called Dun Fearbhai.
NAME Dun Duchathair
TYPE promontory fort
REGION Aran Islands - on Inishmore, S of Kilronan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort has the remains of several stone huts
circles and a massive stone wall. There are dragon's teeth
(upright stones) embedded in the ground outside the wall to
make approach more difficult. The cliffs are eroding and
the gateway has disappeared.
NAME Dun Eochla
TYPE fortress
REGION Aran Islands - on Inishmore, S of Eoghaill
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The circular fort is enclosed by a wall wide
enough for a walkway, and at 400 ft (120 m) it sits on the
highest part of the island. The buttresses are later
additions.
NAME Dun Eoghanachta
TYPE fortress
REGION Aran Islands - Inishmore, near Kilmurvey
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has a circular wall 16 ft (4 m)
thick that encloses the remains of stone hut circles. Stone
steps lead to the top of the wall, providing a stunning
view of the surrounding mountains. The Eoganachta tribe
came to Ireland from Gaul around AD 200.
NAME Saint Kieran's Well
TYPE well
REGION Aran Islands - Inishmore by Teampall Chiarain
REMARKS The U-shaped spring is set in a relaxing
atmosphere of natural surroundings.
NAME Armagh (Ard Macha)
TYPE cairn
REGION Armagh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS On the hill at the protestant cathedral is a
cairn which is thought to be the burial place of Macha, a
famous female warrior chieftain who ruled Ireland from
Ulster.
NAME Navan Fort - Emain Macha (Isamnium)
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age fortress
REGION Armagh - W of Armagh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site, now called Navan Fort, was originally
a Neolithic settlement. The fortress was established by
Macha, and is thought to be her burial place. Archeological
evidence puts its heaviest use around BC 700. It was the
capital of the ancient province of Ulster (Coiced Ulaid /
Uloth) and continued to be the seat of the chiefs of Ulster
until AD 355 when it was destroyed.
The oldest structure was a round building on top of
the hill with a large enclosure beside it. Around BC 100
it was replaced by 5 circles of oak posts with an extremely
large oak pole in the middle that was a beacon for miles
around. There were 275 poles surrounded by an outer wooden
wall 36 yd (33 m) in diameter. The spaces between the
wooden rings were filled with limestone rocks and at some
point the structure was fired. It was then covered with
clay sod to make a high mound. Signs at the site indicate
the significance of the visible earthworks.
NAME Slieve Gullion (Sliabh gCuilinn)
TYPE sacred mountain / lake / holy well
REGION Armagh - SW of Newry
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This was the hill on which Cu Chulainn slayed
the wolfhound of Culainn the blacksmith. Fionn mac
Cumhaill lost a magic cup in the lake at the top of the
hill and the holy well has been become attached to a
Christian saint.
The older name for the hill was Sliabh Fuait named
after the Milesian (Goidel) hero Fuad. In the end the
mountain has become known as Slievegallion or just Gallion.
NAME Giant's Ring
TYPE dolmen
REGION Belfast - greater Belfast, S of Shaw's Bridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen is dated to around BC 3000 and is
enclosed by a circular embankment of 600 ft (180 m) in
diameter and 20 ft (6 m) in height.
NAME Browneshill Dolmen
TYPE dolmen
REGION Carlow
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Just outside the town of Carlow is the largest
standing stone in Europe. The dolmen is on private
property and permission must be requested from the farmer
to visit the site.
NAME Dinn Rig (Burgage Motte)
TYPE fortress (earthwork)
REGION Carlow - Ballyknockan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site was originally known as Duma Slani
(Slainge's grave) because a Partholean chieftain in BC 19th
century and a Firbolg chieftain in BC 17th century were
both buried there and both were named Slainge.
The mound became the seat of the ancient province of
Leinster (Coiced Lagan / Laigin) and the center was called
Dinn Rig. It had ramparts 240 ft (72 m) in diameter which
are still visible at the site. The site is now called
Burgage Motte and overlooks the Barrow river south of
Leighlin Bridge.
NAME Kernanstown
TYPE dolmen
REGION Carlow - Kernanstown
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The capstone of this dolmen weighs 100 tons.
NAME Cavan Way
TYPE track
REGION Cavan - NW corner
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The track between Dowra and Blacklion is 17 mi
(27 km) long and links up with the Ulster Way. The path
passes the headwaters of the Shannon where the legendary
Segais spring lies hidden.
NAME Shannonpot (Connla's Well)
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Cavan - off the Cavan Way
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Sinainn was forbidden to visit this sacred site.
When she disobeyed her geise, the spring grew angry, surged
up, and chased her across Ireland until it drowned her.
The river which resulted from this act was named the Shannon
after her. The Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at
170 mi (270 km).
The site is accessible from the Cavan Way. Like the Segais
Well, the Shannonpot is sometimes called Connla's Well.
NAME not known
TYPE dolmen
REGION Clare - town of Killaloe
MAP REF 0
REMARKS At St Flannan's Cathedral there is a standing
stone with an inscription in ogham and runic scripts.
NAME Burren / Boireann (a rocky place)
TYPE ring-forts / dwelling / caves / dolmens / cairn
REGION Clare
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Burren is a wilderness area in the northeast
of county Clare that is saturated with ancient sites;
around 400 ring-forts and 800 dwellings to be explored.
There is a display center at Kilfenore.
NAME Craggaunowen Project
TYPE park (theme)
REGION Clare - E of Ennis
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has carefully-researched constructions:
a ring-fort with fogou, a crannog, an ocean-going coracle,
a real (transplanted) Iron Age corduroy road and a fulacht
fiadh (a trough of water in which food is cooked by the
addition of hot rocks). The site is very evocative of
Celtic times, complete with the aroma of woodsmoke from the
cooking fires.
NAME Lisdoonvarna (Fort of the Gapped Fort)
TYPE curative springs / fortress
REGION Clare
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The water of the spring in the town of
Lisdoonvarna contains iron, iodine, and magnesia is
recommended in the treatment of arthritis. There is a
fortress outside of Lisdoonvarna on the road to
Ballyvaughan.
NAME Sheila na Gig
TYPE sculpture
REGION Clare - in the village of Killinaboy
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sculpture of the goddess is placed over the
doorway of a medieval church which is now in ruins.
NAME Ardgroom
TYPE ring-fort / standing stones
REGION Cork - near the village of Ardgroom
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A large raith was built beside a circle of
standing stones.
NAME Ballycateen
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Cork - near Ballinspittle
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress south the city of Cork at this site
had triple ramparts.
NAME Cape Clear Island
TYPE well / standing stone
REGION Cork - near Skibbereen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The standing stone and well are alongside the
road.
NAME Drombeg Stone Circle
TYPE calendar (stone circle) / dwelling
REGION Cork - near Glandore E of Skibbereen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The recumbent stone circle dates from the early
Bronze Age. There are 17 standing stones and one lying on
its side which marks the sunset at winter solstice.
Nearby, a stone path connected two circle huts to a
hearth, well and a fulacht fiadh used for cooking with hot
stones for boiling and simmering water.
NAME Fulacht Fiadh
TYPE cooking trough
REGION Cork - between Ross Carberry and Glandore
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone trough was used to cook meat by
placing fire-heated rocks into the water of the trough. It
takes about 30 minutes to bring the water to a boil and it
is easy to keep the water simmering by the occasional
addition of a few rocks.
NAME Knockdrum Fort
TYPE calendar / standing stones / Iron Age hillfort /
fogou
REGION Cork - near the village of Castletownshend
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The small fort has had its wall restored and
boasts a fogou as well as a large stone with cup-and-ring
markings just outside the walls. Three standing stones,
aligned for summer solstice sunrise, can be seen on a
nearby hilltop.
NAME Ardmor Gallan
TYPE standing stone (engraved)
REGION Donegal - near Muff N of Derry
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The standing stone is engraved with many
symbols, cup-marks and a trench on one side.
NAME Balor's Fort
TYPE promontory fort
REGION Donegal - Tory Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This fort, associated with the BC 15th century
Fomorian chieftain Balor, is located at the eastern end of
the island.
NAME Cooley Cross
TYPE wheel cross
REGION Donegal - outside Moville
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ancient cross has a hole in its center
through which hands were grasped upon making an agreement.
NAME Doon Fort
TYPE fortress / dolmen
REGION Donegal - on the island of Lough Doon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The island fortress has walls that are 15 ft
(4.5 m) high and 12 (3.5 m) thick with passages in them.
The Kilclooney Dolmen is situated nearby.
NAME Glasbolie Fort
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Donegal - N of Rossnowlagh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has an earthen rampart 900 ft (274
m) in diameter and is 20 ft (6 m) high.
NAME Grianan Aileach (Grianian of Ailigh)
TYPE Bronze Age fort and burial tumulus / Iron Age
hillfort / broch
REGION Donegal - W of Derry
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The circular fort with 3 condentric earthern
ramparts was built around BC 1500 on Greenan Mountain
giving it commanding views on both sides of the peninsula.
The fort's inside diameter is 77 ft (23.5 m) and has a wall
17 ft (5 m) thick with chambers and passages.
The site was connected with 3 famous Danann
chieftains. Indui Mor who died during the battle of Raith
Ailig and Nuadha who died during the second battle of Magh
Tuireadh are both buried there. MacGreine who died during
the battle of Taillcenn was presumeably buried there giving
it the name.
The Ui Neill (O'Neills) used it as their stronghold
when they ruled Ulster in AD 5th century. The present site
is a 19th AD century reconstruction.
NAME Lough Derg (Red Lake)
TYPE cave
REGION Donegal - on Station Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cave was an ancient ritual site for druidic
initiates. The site has been commandeered by those of the
Christian faith and they have restricted access to the
island and barred the entrance to the cave.
NAME Portal Dolmen
TYPE dolmen
REGION Donegal
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Like many dolmens of Ireland and Scotland, this
was called the Bed of Diarmuid and Grainne to link it with
their adventures during the years they spent on the run
from Fionn.
NAME Tory Island (Tor Mor)
TYPE fortress
REGION Donegal - off the NW coast
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The island has the remains of a Fomorii fortress
on its eastern end which is associated with Balor. There
is a wishing stone at the centre of the island which can
still be activated by circling the well in a sunwise
direction.
NAME Drumena Cashel
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Down - E of Newry outside Hilltown
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The drystone fort is situated in the Mourne
Mountains. It has a fogou 50 ft (15 m) long and some hut
circles within its walls.
NAME Dublin / Dubh Linn (Black Pool)
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Dublin
MAP REF 0
REMARKS On the south side of the Liffey was a Celtic
town known as Eblana which was captured by the Vikings who
set up a trading post and called it by the Gaelic name Dubh
Linn. The Celtic settlement of Baile Atha Cliath {Bally-
aw-kleea} or Town of the Hurdle Ford was on the north side
of the river.
This settlement played a major part in the stories
"Branwen Daughter of Llyr" from the Welsh Mabinogi and "The
Destruction of Da Derga's Hostel" from Irish mythology. The
stories took place in BC 1st century and may be different
versions of the same event.
NAME General Post Office
TYPE sculpture
REGION Dublin - in the city Dublin
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Inside the post office is a sculpture of Cu
Chulainn with Morrighan in the form of a raven alighting on
his shoulder.
NAME Howth Head
TYPE cairn
REGION Dublin - eastern suburb of Howth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are two burial sites on the hilltop. The
cairn is said to be the burial place of a Celtic chieftain,
or perhaps Oisin, the Fianna champion.
NAME Wicklow Way
TYPE track
REGION Dublin / Wicklow / Wexford / Carlow
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The path follows ancient tracks from Marlay Park
in Dublin to Conegal in county Carlow. The track is about
80 miles (130 km) in length and leads through spectacular
and rough territory. The walk can take 12 days to
complete.
NAME Boa Island
TYPE sculptures
REGION Fermanagh - Lower Lough Erne
MAP REF 0
REMARKS On the south side of the A-47 there is a
graveyard with Celtic sculptures. One is janiform,
relating to the deity Dianos (Janus), and the other is
mistakenly referred to as a one-eyed sculpture.
NAME Sheila na Gig
TYPE sculpture
REGION Fermanagh - White Island in Lower Lough Erne
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sculpture of the goddess is attached to the
wall of the abbey which is now a ruin.
NAME Ulster Way
TYPE track
REGION Fermanagh / Tyrone / Derry
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The track leads through the forests and
mountains of ancient Ulster, offering many stunning views.
The path joins the Cavan Way at Blacklion.
NAME Clonfert Cathedral
TYPE sculpture
REGION Galway - S of Ballinasloe
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The west doorway of the cathedral is decorated
with relief sculptures of heads, in a continuation of the
Celtic practice of venerating the human head.
NAME Turoe Stone
TYPE stone (fertility)
REGION Galway - N of Loughrea
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The phallic stone is of La Tθne design from BC
3rd century.
NAME Dun Beag
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort
REGION Kerry - Dingle Peninsula
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has four ramparts and a thick stone
wall which is stepped on the inside. There are some
cavities in the wall and a fogou leading through the gate
to the outside.
NAME Fahan Group
TYPE clochans (beehive huts)
REGION Kerry - Dingle Peninsula
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Fahan cluster are small single-celled
structures of drystone with corbelled rooves, single
smokeholes and low small doors. They are on private
property and the proper approach is to pay a small fee at
the farmhouse before going to explore the structures.
NAME Paps of Anu or Danu / Da Chich Anann
TYPE sacred hills
REGION Kerry - near Killarney
MAP REF 0
REMARKS These hills have been known since ancient times
as the breasts of the Danann goddess Danu, and are the site
of her sidhe.
NAME Scota's Glen
TYPE burial site
REGION Kerry - the Dingle Peninsula S of Tralee
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The resting place of Scota, the female warrior
chieftain of the Goidel invasion in BC 15th century, is
indicated by a stone marker.
NAME Skellig Rock Huts
TYPE (beehive huts)
REGION Kerry - Great Skellig Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are six complete remains of Clochans
within the ruins of a monastic site. The huts were used by
Christian monks which strongly suggests that they were
originally built by druids and that the area was orgionally
a druidic center.
NAME Staigue Fort
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Kerry - near Waterville
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a well-preserved Bronze Age ring-fort.
NAME Tara of the Erainn (Teamhair Erann)
TYPE sacred site
REGION Kerry
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Tara of the Erainn was the burial mound of the
ancient Erainn of Ireland. The territory of the Erainn was
called Luachair and covers the present-day counties of
Limerick, Kerry and Cork.
With the arrival of the Firbolg, the burial mound
became the seat of the head chieftain of West Munster. At
a much later date BC 2nd century the center came under the
influence of the Clanna Dedad and became known as Temair
Luachra (Temuir of the Rushes).
Tara of the Erainn has always been associated with
fertility, knowledge, wisdom, teaching, learning, poetic
art and warriorship. It has also been associated with the
dead with the house of Donn off its coast. The majority of
ogham stones found in Ireland are in Munster in the
provinces of Cork, Kerry, and Waterford. The area is also
known as the area of the wild men (hermits) and is
important to the female or subconscious side of life.
NAME Torc Waterfall
TYPE waterfall
REGION Kerry - near Killarney
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Torc waterfall flows over Torc Mountain in a
spectacular 60 ft (18 m) drop.
NAME Segais Well
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Kildare - Hill of Carbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This spring was the source of the Boyne. Legend
says that it was guarded by Nechtan and his cup-bearers.
The pool was surrounded by 9 hazel trees which dropped
their magic nuts of inspiration into the water where they
were eaten by the salmon who became the "Salmon of
Knowledge".
The Boyne river was formed when Nechtan's wife Boann
went against the geise of the well and walked three times
counterclockwise around the pool. This act of desecration
caused the spring to surge up and chase her across Ireland,
thus forming the Boyne river. This spring is sometimes
called Connla's Well.
NAME Sheemore / Sheebeag
TYPE cairns / dolmen
REGION Leitrim - W of Keshcarrigan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Sheemore Hill cairn is reputed to be the
resting place of Fionn mac Cumhaill. On the eve of Samhain
the cairn opens to The Otherworld. There is also a dolmen
between the two hills.
NAME Crock / Bolin Islands
TYPE crannogs
REGION Limerick - Lough Gur S of Limerick
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The lough has two crannogs and because of the
low water level it is possible to see how they were
constructed.
NAME Lough Gur / Knockadoon
TYPE ring-forts / hut circles / crannogs / stone
circle
REGION Limerick - Lough Gur, S of Limerick city
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site contains remains of ring-forts and hut
circles dating back to BC 3500. During the 19th century
the lake was partially drained, dropping the water level 9
ft (3 m). Many artifacts were exposed, the most
interesting being a bronze shield with concentric rings.
There are two crannogs on the lake and a spectacular stone
circle near by. There is also an interpretive center on
the site.
NAME Cooley Peninsula
TYPE battlefield
REGION Louth - N of Dundalk
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Much of the Cualgne Cattle Raid was situated on
the Cooley Peninsula. It was the home of the Brown Bull of
Cuailgne who was the focal point of the raid.
NAME Ferdiad's Ford (Baile Atha Fhirdhia)
TYPE battlefield of two hereos
REGION Louth - in the town of Ardee
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Ferdiad mac Damain and Cu Chulainn fought at the
ford for four days when Cu Chulainn killed his foster-
brother while protecting Ulster from invasion.
NAME Fourteen at Focherd
TYPE battlefield
REGION Louth - at Faughert
MAP REF 0
REMARKS It was at this site that Medbh asked Cu Chulainn
to meet her but she sent armed warriors to ambush him. He
killed all of them and the site was named after his heroic
deed.
NAME Proleek Dolmen
TYPE dolmen
REGION Louth - Cooley Peninsula
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This dolmen has a 46-ton capstone.
NAME Tain Trail
TYPE track
REGION Louth - near Omeath
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This trail covers some of the points of interest
in the tale of the Cualgne Cattle Raid (Tain Bo Culainge).
NAME Brestagh Ogham Stone
TYPE Dolmen
REGION Mayo - near Killala
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone has ogham writing on it.
NAME Croagh Patrick
TYPE sacred site
REGION Mayo - S shore of Clew Bay, near Louisburgh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The 2,500 foot cone-shaped mountain was a very
sacred site where the Celtic sun deities were worshipped
during the four main fire festivals. The fire at the top
of the mountain was most important during Lughnasa (Lugh's
Wedding) on August 8.
NAME Loughcrew Cairns
TYPE calendar / cairns
REGION Meath - in the Loughcrew Mtns W of Kells
MAP REF 0
REMARKS At sunrise on Samhain and Imbolic, the sun
shines into the passage of cairn L and strikes the top of a
standing stone in the chamber. The sequence of events is
depicted on the inside of the tomb.
The cairn L, T, M, H, F, S, I, U also play important
roles in marking the eight sun festivals of the Celtic
year. As at Edderton, Scotland, the quarters fall on
November 8, February 4, May 6, and August 8.
The highest peak in the area is known as Sliabh na
Caillighe (Hag's Mountain), for Cailleach Beara. Also a
high chieftain of Ireland name Fodhla who was also an
important Ollamh is supposed to be buried here.
NAME Mound of the Hostages (Dumha na nGiall)
TYPE passage grave (Neolithic)
REGION Meath - Tara
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site, dating from around BC 2000, contained
forty urns. Finds include eating utensils and knives as
well as a necklace of amber, jet, faience and bronze found
on the remains of a 15-year-old boy. The site was named
The Mound of the Hostages (Prison of the Hostages) because
the high chieftain of Ireland, Cormac macAirt, held
prisoners in the tumulus and they all died.
NAME Mound of Tlachtga
TYPE burial cairn
REGION Meath - Hill of Ward near Athboy
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The mound is the burial site of the druid
Tlachtga who died there after giving birth to triplets. Her
burial cairn is the site of her veneration on the eve of
Samhain. It is the sacred site of Munster in the old
province of Mide, about 12 miles (19 km) from Tara. Each
of the four provinces had its own sacred in Mide, which
helped make it the spiritual center of Ireland.
NAME New Grange (Brugh na Boyna)
TYPE Neolithic tumulus
REGION Meath - N of Dublin, between Slane and Drogheda
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Brugh na Boyna (Hostel of The Boyne) is a
tumulus in the Boyne valley dating from around BC 3300. It
was earlier called Brug Bratruad (Hostel of the Red Cloaks)
or (Hostel of the Red Broth) and it has also been referred
to as The Spiral Castle.
In Celtic mythology, these structures were under the
control of the Danann and were called sidhes. The Dagda
divided them among his people, and this one became famous
as the home of Anghus mac Og. Two others are at Dowth and
Knowth.
The grave is about 36 ft (11 m) high and 340 ft (100
m) in diameter. The passage is 62 ft (19 m) long and the
chamber has a 20 ft high (6 m) corbelled roof. In the roof
of the tumulus is a hole that is aligned with the winter
solstice when the sun illuminates the inside of the chamber
with a blaze of light. A number of the boulders are
ornately carved, including spirals, a mason's mark, a
Phoenician writing ship with sails and a sun symbol.
NAME Raith Grainne
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Meath - NW of Tara
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There is little left of the fortress now but it
is thought to be where Grainne and Diarmaid lived after
they finally settled down.
NAME Raith of the Synods
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Meath - Tara
FINDS two gold torcs
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There was a ring-fort with three earthen walls
and a wooden palisade. In the center was a flat-topped
mound and the remains of five burnt bodies. The site was
partially destroyed by a group of local Jews looking for
the ark of the covenant and by a Christian graveyard that
keeps encroaching on it.
There is no archaeological evidence to support the
claims by Patrick, Brendan, Ruadhamor or any other
Christians to there having been church synods held there.
NAME Raith Righ
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Meath - Tara
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The royal fortress at Tara was circular with
four other circular halls at its cardinal points. The
great central hall was were the Ard Righ lived and
entertained. It had 8 apartments between the outerwall and
the inner room with the fire. The other four halls
belonged to the four provinces of Ireland such as the Hall
of Leinster to the east, the banquet hall of Connacht to
the west, the Assembly Hall of Ulster to the north and the
Hall of Munster to the south.
The central Hall was set up so the Ard Righ was in the
center and the head chieftains sat facing their halls.
There were other buildings at Tara called the Star of the
Poets, Prision of The Hostages and the Palace of the Single
Pillar. There were other buildings such as the Hall of
Lights which had an upper chamber for studying the stars
called spirit tower or skyward house. The whole complex
was surrounded by 7 large ramparts.
NAME Tailltinn (Tailtiu's Mound)
TYPE cairn
REGION Meath - by the Teltown House
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is the burial place of Lugh's foster-mother
Tailtiu, a Firbolg earth goddess. When she died Lugh
initiated the Tailteann Games in her honor to coincide with
the festival of Lughnasa (Lugh's Wedding).
Lughnasa begins 7 days before August 8 and lasts for 7
days after. The turning point is midway between the summer
solstice and the fall equinox. Marriages were made at this
festival for a year and a day.
NAME Tara on Magh mBreg (Te-mhair Brega)
TYPE seat of power / Neolithic passage graves / 2
ring-forts / 1 standing stone
REGION Meath - 25 mi from Dublin on the road to Navan
FINDS (Stone of Fal)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Tara is a Neolithic passage grave that was the
sacred seat of power of the Ard Righ of Ireland which dates
from around BC 2200. The Celtic name of Tara came from the
Danann fertility goddess Tea, who was buried in the tumulus
in BC 15th century. The mound then became the seat of
power for the high chieftains of Ireland. The annual
Festival of Tara (Feis Temhra) was held there, the
highlight being the ritual marriage of the ruler with the
deity of nature.
There are ruins of the Raith Righ which was the
fortress of the high chieftain of Ireland (Ard Righ Eirinn)
and its well Nemnach (Sparkling), Tech Miodhchuarta (mead-
circling house) the feasting Hall which had 12 doors, Mound
of Hostages (Duma na nGiall), Tech Cormaic (Cormac's House)
home of Cormac macAirt, Mound of the Cow (Duma na Bo) and
numerous other hills, bumps and depressions.
Tara was cursed by St Patrick but it seems to have
continued on for another 200 years before it fell into
disuse as a Celtic center.
NAME Tumulus of Amerghin (Amhairghin)
TYPE cairn
REGION Meath - Drogheda
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The mound beneath the Millmount tower is the
resting place of Amhairghin, the BC 15th century Goidel
warrior filidh.
NAME Tullyrain
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Monaghan - near Shantonagh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a well-preserved ring-fort with triple
ramparts.
NAME Cave Cruachan (Uaimh Chruachan)
TYPE cave (entrance to The Otherworld)
REGION Roscommon - by Rath Cruachan near Tulsk
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cave is a narrow fissure in the limestone
near Rath Cruachan, the fortress of Medbh and Ailill
macMata. The cave was thought to be an entrance to The
Otherworld.
NAME Raith Cruachain (Rathcroghan)
TYPE fortress
REGION Roscommon - NW of Tulsk
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Cruachain was the center of the western province
of old Ireland and the home of Medbh and Ailill macMata.
There were 5 provinces (coiced) of Ireland and the western
province was called Connacht (The Land of Cruachan). The
site covered an acre with a surrounding rampart. The
center was still in use in AD 7th century.
NAME Beann Ghulban (Ben Bulben)
TYPE sacred mountain
REGION Sligo - SE of Grange
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This was the mountain where Diarmaid ua Duibhne
was killed by his half-brother who had taken the form of a
wild boar.
NAME Carrowkeel
TYPE Neolithic passage grave / Bronze Age site
(calendar / cairns / chambers)
REGION Sligo - Bricklieve Mtns near Lough Arrow
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cemetery was begun around BC 2500 and
contains fifteen grave mounds with passages and chambers.
One mound has a corbelled roof and the rest are of stone
slabs. The central grave is aligned with the sunset of
summer solstice. This is one of the homes of the Celtic
gods of Ireland.
NAME Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
TYPE cairns / stone circles / dolmens
REGION Sligo - SW of the town of Sligo
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is another important home of Celtic
deities. One of the cairns predates New Grange (Brugh na
Boyna) by 700 years. There are 66 chambers remaining out
of the original hundreds. Medbh's Cairn on top of
Knocknarea Mountain overlooking Sligo Bay is the resting
place of Medbh, the great female warrior chieftain of
Connacht. It measures 60 ft (12 m) high and 200 ft (60 m)
in diameter.
NAME Caves of Keshcorran
TYPE caves
REGION Sligo - outside the village of Kesh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Local legend says that these are the caves where
Cormac mac Airt was fostered by a wolf and raised along
with her pups.
NAME Half Moon Bay
TYPE sculpture
REGION Sligo - E of Sligo town on Lough Gill
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There is a small sculpture park situated by Half
Moon Bay on the Hazelwood Road, which includes a
contemporary sculpture of a horse and chariot.
NAME Heapstown Cairn
TYPE cairn
REGION Sligo - S of Riverstown
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The impressive passage grave is reputed to
contain the remains of Ailill, brother of Niall
Noighiallach.
NAME Inishmurray Island
TYPE sacred site / sacred well / cursing stones
REGION Sligo - 3 mi (5 km) off the coast, accessible
from Moneygold or Mullaghmore
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The island has a sacred well which is surrounded
by the famous speckled cursing stones called Clocha Breaca.
The whole island was a sacred site to the druids. An oval
structure 180 x 100 ft (55x30 m) in rough drystone was the
site of fertility rites associated with the fire god. A
standing stone known as Bal Fargha was positioned in a
basin-shaped area. The area has since been desecrated by a
Christian cemetery.
NAME Plain of Towers (Magh Tuireadh)
TYPE plain
REGION Sligo / Mayo
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The plain was the site of two major battles,
both fought to determine who would control Ireland. The
first battle of Magh Tuireadh (South Moytura) was fought
between the Firbolg led by Eochaid mac Eirc and the
invading Danann led by Nuadha near present-day Cong in the
south of county Mayo. The Danann with their superior
weapons and magic won the battle.
The second battle of Magh Tuireadh (North Moytura) was
fought between the Danann and the Fomorians, in the north
of county Sligo. Lugh was the war leader for the Danann
and his grandfather Balor was the war leader of the
Fomorii. The Danann won this battle also and became
masters of Ireland.
NAME Cashel Rock
TYPE sacred site
REGION Tipperary - near Cashel, N of Cahir
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The gigantic rock outcrop was the seat of the
head chieftain (Ri Ruirech) of Munster. In AD 1101 it was
given to the church which have since tried to usurp its
power by cluttering it with buildings.
NAME Beaghmore Stone Circles
TYPE calendar / standing stones / cairns
REGION Tyrone - W of Cookstown
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has 7 circles of standing stones and
one of the circles is filled with small upright stones
called Dragon's Teeth. There are also 10 rows of standing
stones which are part of a celestial calendar that marks
the sun, moon and stars. Most of the stones in the
alignments and circles are less than 3 ft (1 m) high. The
site also contains several burial mounds.
NAME Knockmany Forest
TYPE cairn
REGION Tyrone - S of Omagh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cairn is in the forest and has several
carved stones with zig-zag symbols, cup markings,
concentric circles, etc.
NAME Tullyhoge Fort
TYPE fortress
REGION Tyrone - SE of Cookstown
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The O'Neills or Ui Neill, descendants of Niall
Noighiallach, used this site to proclaim their chieftains.
It was built with an outer rampart and an inner oval
defence.
NAME Baginbun Head
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort
REGION Waterford - Hook Peninsula SE of Waterford
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There is still evidence of the Celtic defences
although the site is now dominated by a Martello tower.
NAME Munster Way
TYPE track
REGION Waterford / Tipperary
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The path leads through 17 miles (27 km) of
beautiful country between Lisemore in Waterford to Carrick-
on-Suir in Tipperary.
NAME St Declan's Well
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Waterford - in the village of Ardmore
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well is enhanced by the beauty of the
surroundings.
NAME Athlone - Ath Luain (Ford of the Loins)
TYPE river crossing
REGION Westmeath - the town of Athlone
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Shannon ford is where the victorious Brown
Bull of Cualnge dropped the loins of Ailill's White Bull
(Finnbhenach) which he had been carrying on his horns after
they fought.
NAME Inchclearaun (Inis Clothrann)
TYPE sacred island
REGION Westmeath / Galway - in Lough Ree
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Inchclearaun is the island linked with Medbh,
being the site where she drowned her sister Clothra as well
as where she herself was killed by Furbude Fer Bend.
NAME Lough Derravaragh (Lake of the Red Eye)
TYPE lake
REGION Westmeath - near Crookedwood
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Lough Derravaragh or Dergdherc is modern-day
Loch Derg and is the lake where Aoife condemned the
children of Lir to spend 300 years after she changed them
into magical swans.
NAME Uisneach - (the Navel of Ireland)
TYPE massive boulder
REGION Westmeath - W of Mullingar
MAP REF 0
REMARKS During the time of The Firborg and the Danann,
Uisneach, affectionately known as the Catstone, was
considered the center of the island and marked by a massive
boulder sitting in its seat on the hill.
The Stone of Division (Ail na Mearainn), as it is also
called, has always been the main spiritual center of the
Island and the chieftain Beltainn Fires for Ireland were
lit there.
NAME Ferrycarrig Heritage Park
TYPE park (theme)
REGION Wexford - Ferrycarrig, just W of Wexford
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has reconstructions of a ring-fort, a
dolmen, a crannog, a stone circle, an ogham stone and other
constructions from Mesolithic to Norman times.
NAME Lugnaquilla
TYPE sacred mountain
REGION Wicklow - W of Rathdrum
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is the highest mountain in the area
reaching 3000 ft (915 m) with wooded glens and valleys. The
name suggests that the mountain may have been associated
with Lugh or Lughnasa.
ISLE OF MAN
NAME Ballacaigen
TYPE dwellings
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This was the site of two round houses. One was
90 ft (27 m) in diameter and about 12 ft (3.5 m) high. The
posts were 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter and made from oak
trees most of which were 200 years old.
The layout was that of 5 concentric rings with a
timber frame forming a dome covered with turf. The house
was built around a limestone hearth in the centre, and
divided into different areas by wattle walls. The two
houses date from about AD 100-300.
NAME Chibbyr-beltain
TYPE well
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Celebrations are held at this well during
Beltainn in honor of the sun god Belenos.
NAME Chibbyr-katrineys
TYPE well
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The waters of the well are reputed to be good
for eye problems.
NAME Chibbyr-phericks
TYPE well
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The waters of the well are reputed to be good
for eye problems.
NAME Close-ny-Chollagh
TYPE ring-fort
REGION Arbory - Poylvaish Bay
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Under the Viking ruins, older Celtic ruins were
found, showing that the ramparts were originally built by
the Celts. Excavations at other Viking sites showed that
in several cases the sites were originally Celtic, and
simply taken over by the Vikings. Finds at Close-ny-
Chollagh included a Celtic brooch from BC 1st century.
NAME Fairy Bridge
TYPE bridge
REGION Ballalona - near Ballasalla
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The locals believe it is best to wish the Fay
people a "good-day" when passing over the bridge.
NAME Braaid circle
TYPE dwelling
REGION Marown
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The circular house was 40 ft (12 m) in diameter
and had a boat-shaped Viking building constructed beside
it.
NAME Chibbyr-maugholds
TYPE well
REGION Maughold Head
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The waters are reputed to be good for poor sight
and eye problems, and the well is also associated with
fertility.
NAME Cashtal-yn-Ard (Gorry Castle)
TYPE burial chambers (gallery grave)
REGION Maughold peninsula - Ballachrink Farm, NW of
Port Cornaa
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A long oval mound covers a megalithic burial
chamber 120 ft (36 m) long and 45 ft (14 m) wide. The site
is quite extensive with many parts to it. Finds include
human bones and Neolithic pottery.
NAME King Orry's Grave
TYPE cairn
REGION Maughold peninsula - Ballachrink
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a 170 ft (52 m) chambered cairn with a
roadway slicing through it.
NAME Mull Circle / Meayll Circle / Rhullick-y-lag-
sliggagh
TYPE burial chamber
REGION Rushen - Mull Hill, Cregneish
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The graves were built in an unusual way that is
unique to the isles of Britain. They sit in a T-shape with
the bar as part of the circle and the perpendicular stem
pointing out. The circle is made up of six T units of
three graves and they divide the circle into two sides with
three graves each.
The broad passage that separated the two sides lies on
a north/south axis. Each unit is made of huge slabs of
slate, the largest of which is 8 x 3 x 2 ft (2.5x1x0.5 m).
At one time they contained funeral urns. The Gaelic name
means "The Graveyard of Broken Slates" and it is not
surprising that the Celts thought these were dwelling
places of the gods.
NAME Cronk-ny-Iree-Laa
TYPE cairn
REGION south of St Johns
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This site marks the communal grave of some
Bronze Age Celts.
NAME Chibbyr-ann
TYPE well
REGION Santan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The waters of the well are reputed to be good
for eye problems.
NAME South Barrule
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION South Barrule
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort has two circular ramparts and the
remains of hut circles.
NAME Cronk Sumark (Primrose Hill)
TYPE hillfort (Iron-age)
REGION northern plain - mouth of Sulby Glen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are twin peaks with twin hillforts and the
one on the eastern peak is of a later date. A quarry road
has cut through one of the ramparts.
ITALY
NAME Brenner Pass
TYPE pass
REGION between Innsbruck, Austria and Bolzano, Italy
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is the lowest pass in the Alps, and was
probably the one used by Brennius and his brother Belinos
on their way to conquer the city of Rome in BC 4th century.
NAME Terme del Brennero
TYPE hot springs
REGION Alto Adige - by Brenner Pass (road to Innsbruck)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS These hot springs are surrounded by pine forests
and are on the route taken by Brennius and Belinos on their
way to conquer Rome.
NAME Aquae Statiellae
TYPE hot springs
REGION Bistagno - Acqui Terme
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sulphur springs are accompanied by mud
baths.
NAME Val Camonica
TYPE pictographs
REGION Brescia province - northern
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site, an isolated forested valley in the
Alps, was occupied from the late Neolithic times down to
the Iron Age Trumpilini tribe of the Celts in BC 4th
century and the Etruscan Camunian tribes in BC 1st century.
There are 3000 years of records, in the form of rock
drawings of solar deities, the Celtic hunter deity
Cernunnos, hunters, artisans, horses, geese, stags, cattle,
funeral wagons, etc. portraying the sacred way of life of
the hunters and the hunted. Apart from the wealth of
pictographs, finds in the area include Chalcolithic small
ribbed daggers, Bronze Age leaf-shaped swords and Iron Age
crested helmets.
NAME Abano Terme
TYPE hot springs / mud bath
REGION Emilia - near Padua
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The mud is recommended for rheumatism and
arthritis.
NAME Grado
TYPE hot springs / thermal sand baths
REGION Gulf of Trieste - S of Palmanova
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This ancient island settlement is popular for
its hot springs and thermal sand baths.
NAME Terme di Valdieri
TYPE hot springs
REGION Piedmont - SW of Cuneo by French border
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Cryptogamic plants (ulva labyrinthiformis) which
grow around these sulphur springs were applied to
inflammations and wounds to help healing.
NAME Terme di Vinadio
TYPE hot springs
REGION Piedmont - SW of Cuneo outside Demonte
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hot waters of the sulphur springs are
soothing to sore muscles after trekking in the mountains.
NAME Cape Telamon
TYPE battlefield
REGION NW of Rome - Talamonaccio
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This site was the scene of a battle between
Aneroestus and his Celtic forces against 2 Roman armies in
BC 225. 40,000 Celts died and 10,000 were taken prisoner,
which usually meant slavery and torture. This was the
first major success for a Roman army against a Celtic war
band.
PORTUGAL
NAME Penedo Comprido (Long Rock)
TYPE standing stone
REGION Aldeia do Outeiro
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The menhir is noted for its size, being almost
20 ft (6 m) high, 3 ft (1 m) in diameter and weighing about
8 tons.
NAME Castro de Romariz
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Aveiro - NE of S Joao da Madeira at
Romariz
MAP REF 2 D+
REMARKS The castro spans Celtic and Roman times, as
evidenced by the mixture of circular and square house plans
as well as by a Roman altar situated in a central porch
area.
NAME Curia
TYPE hot springs
REGION Aveiro - NW of Bucaco National Park
MAP REF 3 D+
REMARKS The hot springs contain calcium sulphate, and
are recommended for the treatment of rheumatism, kidneys,
and ailments of the urinary tract.
NAME Luso
TYPE curative springs
REGION Aveiro - on the NW edge of Buηaco Park
MAP REF 3 D+
REMARKS These radioactive springs impregnated with iron
salts are recommended in the treatment of rheumatism,
arthritis, kidney and respiratory ailments, and arterial
hypertension.
NAME Braga Castros
TYPE Iron Age forts
REGION Braga
MAP REF 0 D+
REMARKS Remains of three Iron Age forts can be seen in
the areas of Sγo Vicente, Nogueiro and Guizande around
Braga.
NAME Caldas das Taipas
TYPE hot springs
REGION Braga - 7 km (4.5 mi) NW of Guimarγes
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS These sulphur springs are recommended in the
treatment of the digestive system, bronchial problems and
rheumatism.
NAME Caldas de Vizela
TYPE hot springs
REGION Braga - 10 km (6 mi) SW of Guimarγes
REMARKS These sulphur springs are recommended for the
treatment of bronchial, skin problems, and rheumatism.
There are over 50 springs with a wide range of
temperatures.
NAME Caldas do Geres
TYPE hot springs
REGION Braga - in the Peneda-Geres National Park
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The waters are recomended in the treatment of
gallbladder and liver ailments. The surrounding area is
quite spectacular and it is easy to see why the Celts
enjoyed living there.
NAME Castro Cidadelhe
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Braga - Peneda-Geres Park / Lima river
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This Iron Age settlement has recently been
excavated.
NAME Castro da Calcedonia
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / cave
REGION Braga - just inside Peneda-Geres National Park
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS There is an interesting cave on this walled site
that makes it worth seeing.
NAME Castro de Sabroso
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Braga - between Braga and Guimarγes
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This site, believed to be older than that of the
nearby Citania de Briteiros, contains 35 dwelling sites
within a strong well-constructed outer wall. It is dated
to BC 800 and appears to have been abandoned before Roman
times.
NAME Citania de Briteiros
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Braga - N of Guimarγes at Briteiros
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This Celtic site is fascinating to explore with
its 200 building sites, roadways, wells, drainage systems
and well-preserved triple outer walls, although the two
reconstructed stone huts are somewhat unrealistic.
At the foot of the site is a carved stone structure
thought to be a bath-house, for which water could have been
heated with stones. A gathering hall 36 ft (11 m) in
diameter has a stone bench around the inner wall. On one
of the stone walkways is a rock containing a mold for
casting bronze axes. The site was probably settled around
BC 500.
NAME Monte Franqueira
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Braga - 4 m (6 km) SW of Barcelos
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The settlement is near the summit of Monte
Franqueira and there are still hut circles visible in
various stages of disintegration.
NAME Ponte de Lima
TYPE Iron Age forts
REGION Braga - Ponte de Lima, at Vitorino dos
Piaes
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS There are three fortified Iron Age settlements
in the vicinity. The Lima, or Lethes, river was known as
the "river of forgetfulness" because the Turduli tribe lost
their sense of purpose after a quarrel with their Celtic
comrades and could not find their way home again.
NAME Povoa de Lanhoso
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Braga - Povoa de Lanhoso
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS On the road to the castle can be seen the
remains of an Iron Age settlement and a fragment of a
Celtic road.
NAME Termas de Eirogo
TYPE hot springs
REGION Braga - just NE of Barcelos
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The springs contain alkaline and radioactive
waters and sulphur, and are recommended for the treatment
of high blood pressure and stomach disorders.
NAME Braganηa
TYPE stone sculpture
REGION Braganηa - town of Braganηa
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS In the castle courtyard, there is an ancient
sculpture of a wild boar which has been mutilated by the
addition of a pillory column.
NAME Castro de Avelas
TYPE hillfort
REGION Braganηa - W of Braganηa at Castro de Avelas
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Remains of the hillfort are still visible.
NAME Fountain of Prado da Rodela
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Braganηa - in Mogadouro
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This sacred spring has never run dry in recorded
history in spite of the severe droughts in the area. The
well has ogham writing dedicating it to Mabon and the crags
above are dedicated to Byanu. There is a serpent legend
connected to the spring as well.
NAME Parque Natural de Montesinho
TYPE park (wilderness)
REGION Braganηa - N of the town of Braganηa
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This 185,000 acre (74,870 ha) park has wild
boars, wolves, and some villages where pagan rituals are
still practiced.
NAME Monfortinho
TYPE spa
REGION Castelo Branco - SE of Covilha at the border
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The spa is situated in scenic surroundings on
the Erges river. The waters are recommmended in the
treatment of liver, intestinal, kidney and gynaecological
disorders.
NAME Monsanto
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Castelo Branco - NE of Castelo Branco
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The site of the ruins give a 360Ί view of the
surrounding territory. The local villagers are quite aware
of their Celtic ancestry and hold a festival in May to
commemorate their victory over the Romans.
NAME Castro Santa Olaia
TYPE Iron Age Phoenician trading post
REGION Coimbra - Montemor-o-Velho at Santa
Olaia
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The site was occupied by Phoenicians during the
Iron Age, and was strategically situated not far from the
mouth of the Mondego river. The houses were of rectangular
design and built of stone or adobe.
NAME Conimbriga
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Coimbra - 15 km S of Coimbra city
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This site was originally Celtic but was built
over by a Roman settlement. The Romans obviously employed
Celtic artisans to work on their buildings, as the mosaics
contain many Celtic motifs. The Roman settlement came to a
drastic end in AD 4th century. There is a small on-site
museum.
NAME Termas dos Cucos
TYPE hot springs / spa
REGION Estremadura - just E of Torres Vedras
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The ancient site has thermal waters and hot mud
baths which are recommended in the treatment of rheumatism,
arthritis and gout.
NAME Belhoa Menhir
TYPE standing stone
REGION Evora - N of Monsaraz near Guadiana river
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The menhir is noted for its carvings, though the
lower part was broken and has been reconstructed.
NAME Dolmen of Zambujeiro
TYPE dolmen
REGION Evora - near Arraiolos
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is said to be the largest dolmen on the
Iberian Peninsula.
NAME Gruta do Escoural (Escoural Cave)
TYPE cave
REGION Evora, near Arraiolos
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The cave with many galleries has wall-markings
dating to about BC 15,000 and is still under investigation
by archeologists. The site is fenced but there is a
resident custodian. Finds and information are in the
Archeological Museum at Montemor-o-Novo.
NAME Menhir of Outeiro
TYPE standing stone
REGION Evora - N of Monsaraz
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The menhir reaches a height of 18 ft (5.5 m).
NAME Standing Stones of Almendres
TYPE standing stone / stone circle
REGION Evora, near Arraiolos
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS A good hike through wild territory leads to the
standing stones. One stands alone, a phallic granite
cylinder about 13 ft (4 m) high with an image commonly
identified as a staff engraved on the top. Nearby is a
large configuration of about 100 stones, most around 5 to 6
ft high (1.5-2 m). Some outline an oval shape of about 100
x 200 ft (60x30 m) and the others are placed within those
limits. The site is thought to date from the Chalcolithic
Age.
NAME Cabo de Sγo Vicente
TYPE sacred site
REGION Faro - Algarve, near Sagres
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The peninsula, once a sacred site to the Celts,
later became important to Romans and Christians.
NAME Caldas de Monchique
TYPE hot springs
REGION Faro - near Monchique N of Portimao
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The waters are reputed to be beneficial to
sufferers of digestive and respiratory problems and
rheumatism.
NAME Cerro do Castelo de Santa Justa
TYPE Chalcolithic hillfort
REGION Faro - 25 mi (40 km) N of Vila Real de Santo
Antσnio by Alcoutim
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The site is strategically placed by the Guadiana
river. It dates from BC 3rd millenium, placing it with
Castro do Zambujal and Vila Nova de Sγo Pedro, and
it was
doubtless also involved in the copper industry. (Great
quantities of copper are still exported from the region.)
Like Zambujal, the defensive walls are studded with towers.
Remains of stone circle huts are visible.
NAME Compass Card
TYPE calendar (moon/zodiac)
REGION Faro, near Sagres in the Fortaleza (Algarve)
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This ancient sacred site is a lunar calendar
dealing with the houses of the zodiac. There are 28 spokes
that extend all the way to the circumference, and 14 more
incomplete spokes. The diameter of the calendar is 140 ft
(43 m). It is similar to ones found in North America.
NAME Castro Cidadelhe
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Guarda - W of Castelo Rodrigo at
Cidadelhe
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS There are still substantial well-preserved ruins
of drywall-construction dwellings at this site near the
Vale of Coa.
NAME Vale de Cτa
TYPE pictographs
REGION Guarda - Cτa River near Vila Nova de
Foz Cτa
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The impending flooding of this valley for a dam
project has finally alerted the archeological community to
the presence of numerous pictographs whose dates are
currently being debated, but which may be from BC 18,000 in
the Paleolithic era. The valley shows signs of occupation
for much of the prehistoric period.
NAME Caldas da Rainha (Queen's Hot Springs)
TYPE hot springs
REGION Leiria - 5 km (3 mi) N of Obidos
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The sulphur waters are used in the treatment of
respiratory problems, rheumatism, gynaecological disorders
and detoxication.
NAME Pinhal de Leiria (Pinhal do Rei)
TYPE forest (pine)
REGION Leiria - outside the town of Leiria
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This forest, although not specifically Celtic,
has 700-year-old trees and will give an idea of the type of
old-growth forest that would constitute a familiar
environment of the Celts.
NAME Termas da Piedade
TYPE hot springs
REGION Leiria - just N of Alcobaca
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The hot springs are recommended in the treatment
of stomach and intestinal ailments.
NAME Vimeiro
TYPE curative spring
REGION Leiria - NE of Caldas da Rainha
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The mineral waters are recommended in the
treatment of digestive problems, kidney diseases, and some
skin ailments.
NAME Castro de Leceia
TYPE Neolithic / Chalcolithic hillfort
REGION Lisbon - W of Lisbon near Oeiras and Barcarena
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The castro is strategically situated just
outside Tagus harbor. The settlement was originally
Neolithic and was occupied through the Chalcolithic period.
Its design, with hollow and solid towers punctuating the
defensive walls, shows similarities to the Almerian sites
nearby of Vila Nova de Sγo Pedro and Castro de
Zambujal.
The hut circles often have a hearth at their center.
NAME Castro do Zambujal
TYPE Chalcolithic / Bronze Age industrial site
REGION Lisbon - S of Torres Vedras on Pedrulhos river
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is one of the sites probably established by
the Almerians for the production of copper tools and
weapons. Crucibles, molds and ovens attest to the copper-
smelting industry. Like the site of Vila Nova de Sγo
Pedro, this site would have been more accessible by sea
during its occupation from mid-BC 3rd millenium to late 2nd
millenium.
Arqueological investigations indicate 5 phases of
development of the site, resulting in an unusual plan of
triple defensive walls with some parts up to 50 ft (15 m)
thick stone, and small round courtyards converted into
towers. The stone hut circles constructed around a central
hearth were roofed with earth or clay.
NAME Grutas de Alapraia
TYPE cave tomb
REGION Lisbon - near Cascais
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Four caves with an entranceway and skylit
chamber are dated to between the middle of BC 4th millenium
and early 3rd millenium.
NAME Aljustrel
TYPE copper mines
REGION Portalegre - 14 m (23 km) N of Castro
Verde
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Some of these mines have been worked in
prehistoric times.
NAME Castro de Cola
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Portalegre - SW of Aldeia dos Palheiros
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This old settlement is surrounded by ramparts 16
ft (5 m) high.
NAME Castelo de Vide
TYPE curative springs
REGION Portalegre - 12 m (20 km) N of Portalegre
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The cold water springs contain Glauber's salt
and are recommended for liver, diabetes, and skin problems.
NAME Castro Caramos, Lagares, Penacova and Seriude
TYPE Iron Age hillforts
REGION Porto - in the vicinity of Felgueiras
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Ruins of four Iron Age settlements are still
visible.
NAME Castro do Monte Padrao
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Porto - NE of Oporto at Santo Tirso
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The ruins are at the top of Monte Cordova at the
headwaters of the Leca River.
NAME Castro Tagilde
TYPE hillfort (Iron Age)
REGION Porto - in the vicinity of Felgueiras
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Ruins of an Iron Age settlement are still
visible.
NAME Citβnia de Sanfins
TYPE hillfort
REGION Porto - Monte Cordova E of Santo Tirso
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This hillfort is the largest in the area (almost
40 acres or 16 ha) and has a commanding view of the
territory which holds many other hillforts. It is about a
day's walk to Citβnia de Briteiros and two other major
forts. In the vicinity are the headwaters of the Leca
river.
The castro appears to date from BC 2nd century and it
has been suggested that the advance of Roman invaders
prompted small local settlements to regroup at this site
for defensive purposes. A statue of a warrior with helmet,
shield, torc and large bracelets on the right arm was
positioned at the main gate.
Two outer stone walls surround over 150 hut sites,
some circular and some rectangular, arranged in clusters
off stone-paved streets. Two large rectangular buildings,
and a bath-house like the one at the Citβnia de Briteiros,
were doubtless for communal use. Some reconstructions of
the buildings with thatched roofs help to recreate the
atmosphere of the original site.
NAME Citβnia Monte Mozinho
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Porto - S of Penafiel by Oldroes
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Sometimes known as the city of the dead, the
extent of this settlement is indicated by the visible
remains of its three defensive walls, fortified in one
place by a ditch.
NAME Cividade de Terroso
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Porto - 5 km (3 m) NE of Povoa de
Varzim
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS There are 80 hut circles and several rectangular
buildings with rounded corners, all surrounded by a triple
drystone wall. Several of the huts have porch areas or a
multi-room design. The site was important in coastal
trading. A smaller castro is nearby at Laundos.
NAME Marco de Canaveses
TYPE hot springs / settlement / dolmen
REGION Porto - SW of Amarante
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS At the Archeological Area of Freixo, there is a
74 acre (30 ha) settlement which dates from Celtic times
but was taken over by the Romans. In addition to a forum
and many buildings, the site contains hot springs whose
waters contain arsenic and sulphur, and are used to treat
rheumatism, skin and respiratory disorders.
There is a professional archeological school and
permanent research center on the site. A few miles to the
east, around Baiao, is an area rich in megalithic monuments
such as the dolmen of Aboboreira.
NAME Terras do Basto
TYPE sculptures
REGION Porto - E of Guimarγes
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The area is called the land of Basto ("I Claim")
because of the some Celtic sculptures that were found
there. The stone sculptures were possibly used as
territory markers. In the park across from the bus station
at Cabeceiras de Basto stands one of the sculptures that
has had its head recarved or substituted to portray the
face and cap of a soldier from the Peninsula War. The rest
of the figure is in the same style as other Celtic statues
of the area including the typically Lusitanian small round
shield.
NAME Vila Nova de Sγo Pedro
TYPE Chalcolithic / Bronze / Iron Age industrial site
REGION Santarιm - SW of Santarιm, Vila Nova de
Sγo
Pedro
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is one of the sites established by the
Almerians from the eastern Mediterranean around BC 3000. It
is also likely that this is where the Bell Beaker people of
Portugal came into contact with the Almerians and learned
about copper-smelting. The existence of the industry is
evidenced by crucibles, numerous copper articles such as
axes and weapons, and a store of almost 30 lbs (13 kg) of
raw copper ore.
The inhabitants were also involved in the production
of stoneware, ceramics, weaving and making of garments. A
kiln was found with ceramic pieces still inside, indicating
an extremely sudden departure from the site by the last
inhabitants (earth tremors ?). Also found at the site were
numerous small cylinders of stone, bone, clay, ivory and
crystal, and figurines made of clay or bone.
Vila Nova de Sγo Pedro might appear
unusually far
inland for sea trade, but as the present land in the region
is largely a build-up of silt, in BC 3000 the site would
have been quite close to the mighty Tagus river. There
would doubtless have been contact with the industrial site
of Castro do Zambujal to the southwest.
NAME Monte da Tumba
TYPE Chalcolithic settlement
REGION Setϊbal - SE of Alcαcer do Sal by Torrao
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This inland site shows similarities to Castro do
Zambujal in its design and age, suggesting a similar
connection with the flourishing copper industry of the
region.
NAME Sesimbra Monument
TYPE Bronze Age burial site
REGION Setϊbal - Sesimbra
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The structure is composed of large stone slabs
forming a circle almost 40 ft (12 m) diameter with one
opening to the southeast leading to a 10 ft diameter (3 m)
round central chamber where two inhumed bodies were placed.
NAME Tombs of Quinta do Anjo
TYPE Neolithic / Chalcolithic grave site
REGION Setϊbal - W of Palmela
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS A passage leads to a small antechamber and a
vaulted chamber where four graves were carved out of the
rock. They date from the middle Neolithic to late
Chalcolithic periods.
NAME Herdade da Mitra
TYPE passage grave
REGION Valverde
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is an enormous passage grave which was once
covered by a tumulus of some 150 ft (50 m) with 16 ft high
(5 m) boulders forming the sides of the main chamber and a
passage over 30 ft (10 m) long. However, the capstone has
fallen down and the metal roof which has been erected for
protective purposes detracts from the esthetics.
NAME Castro do Coto da Pena
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort
REGION Viana do Castelo - by Caminha
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The fort is strategically situated by the mouth
of the Minho river and dates from BC 10th century. The
typical round or oval stone hut circles are visible within
the walls. The site continued to be inhabited until AD 8th
century.
NAME Citβnia Santa Luzia
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Viana do Castelo
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The Celtic settlement is beside the Hotel Santa
Luzia and can be reached by an interesting ride on the
hill-car. There are over 80 hut sites, mostly circular,
set on cobbled streets, and a large oval gathering hall at
the summit.
The site is best viewed from a recently-constructed
set of raised metal walkways crisscrossing the ruins.
Several of the huts have a stone bench or shelf against the
interior walls, and many have a small "porch" area. The
presence of ovens and millstones indicate breadmaking.
The site was originally fortified by three walls and
two ditches, as well as by the natural defences of the
steep hill, but the construction of the adjacent hotel and
roadways have obliterated most of the outer two. It was
settled in BC 500 and in BC 26 fell to the Romans, although
it remained in use until AD 5th century.
NAME Cividade de Ancora
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Viana do Castelo - near Caminha
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Some of the buildings at this site are of the
multi-room style with a porch area. One, doubtless for
communal use, has an oven and a well. The site is
protected with a set of defensive walls.
NAME Moncao
TYPE hot springs
REGION Viana do Castelo (on the Minho River)
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The waters are recommended in the treatment of
rheumatism, bronchial disorders, and skin ailments.
NAME Peneda-Geres National Park
TYPE wilderness park / Iron Age settlements / hot
springs
REGION Viana do Castelo / Braga / Vila Real
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This 193 sq.mi (500 sq km) park stretches along
the border with Galicia, Spain. Wild boars, horses,
wolves, snakes and eagles make it their home. There are
numerous dolmens and several Celtic castros within its
boundaries.
NAME Alvao
TYPE dolmen
REGION Vila Real
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This dolmen is full of carvings.
NAME Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Vila Real - E of Vila Real near Sabrosa
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The site is defended by two circular walls
dating from the Iron Age and an outside rectangular one
built during Roman times.
NAME Castro de Boticas
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Vila Real - 19 miles (30 km) W of Chaves
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is a well-preserved hillfort with a ditch
and double walls enclosing the remains of circle huts and
some rectangular buildings dating from its occupation
during Roman times.
Below the hillfort are springs, recommended for skin
diseases and kidney, liver and intestinal disorders, beside
the inn surrounded by gardens and woods.
NAME Castro Tourem
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / dolmen
REGION Vila Real
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The excavated settlement with a megalithic tomb
is situated in the Peneda-Geres National Park.
NAME Chaves
TYPE hot springs
REGION Vila Real
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The village of Chaves is noted for its hot
springs recommended in the treatment of rheumatism, gout,
diabetes, metabolic adjustments and internal organs.
The town is also noted for its unusual way of cooking
pork in the water from these springs. The springs reach
temperatures of 163Ί F (73Ί C) which ranks them as some of
the hottest in the world.
NAME Murηa
TYPE hot springs / spring / stone sculpture
REGION Vila Real
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Murηa, a very arid area, seems to be blessed
with an abundance of cold and hot springs. The local
mythology claims that the hot springs originate in the
underworld.
In the village centre across from the restaurant Porca
de Murηa is the stone sculpture of a bear. Although the
name of the sculpture refers to boar (porca), the name of
the village, Murηa, refers to bear. A similar case is
found in the village of Toro, in Spain.
NAME Outeiro Machado
TYPE sacrificial stone
REGION Vila Real - near Chaves heading towards Sotelo
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS West of Chaves is a granite boulder 165 ft long
(50 m) in the middle of a field. The rock is covered with
numerous symbols. It was vandalized by locals looking for
gold.
NAME Panσias
TYPE sacred site
REGION Vila Real - SE of Vila Real at Panσias
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This was a Lusitanian sacrificial site to the
deity Serapis.
NAME Pitoes
TYPE hillfort (castro) / dolmen
REGION Vila Real - Peneda-Geres Park / E
entrances
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This Iron Age settlement has recently been
excavated.
NAME Termas de Pedras Salgadas
TYPE hot springs
REGION Vila Real - 35 km (22 mi) N of Vila Real
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The radioactive hot springs are recommended in
the treatment of stomach, intestinal and liver complaints.
The site is in the valley of the Avelares river at an
altitude of about 2000 ft (600 m).
NAME Vidago
TYPE hot springs
REGION Vila Real - 15 kn (9 mi) SW of Chaves
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The hot springs are recommended in the treatment
of internal ailments, allergies and metabolic disorders.
NAME Alijo
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Viseu - 16 km (10 mi) N of Pinhao near Alijo
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is a Celtic castro well worth visiting. In
the region, the locals still use burro-drawn carts
reminiscent of Celtic wagons.
NAME Anta de Paranhos de Arca
TYPE dolmen
REGION Viseu - near Paranhos N of Tondela
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The dolmen appears as a sturdy long-legged table
in a field surrounded by trees.
NAME Anta de Pendilhe
TYPE dolmen
REGION Viseu - E of Castro Daire by Pendilhe
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is a well-preserved and imposing dolmen.
The reincarnation symbol of the labyrinth was carved into
the capstone.
NAME Antelas
TYPE passage grave / paintings
REGION Viseu - SW of Oliveira de Frades at
Antelas
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The long-corridored passage grave was reburied
after excavation in order to preserve its paintings, but it
has been re-excavated again for display purposes. The red
and black paintings are mainly of geometric designs, with
solar and lunar symbols identified.
NAME Caldas da Felgueira
TYPE spa
REGION Viseu - S of Viseu at Caldas da
Felgueira
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The waters are recommended in the treatment of
skin diseases, respiratory disorders and rheumatism.
The site is on the Mondego river in pine-covered hills.
NAME Caldas de Aregos
TYPE hot springs
REGION Viseu - 5 km (3 mi) W of Anreade
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This ancient Celtic area is well worth the visit
for the scenery. The sulphur springs are recommended in
the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis and bronchitis.
NAME Casa da Orca (Anta da Cunha Baixa)
TYPE passage grave
REGION Viseu - S of Mangualde at Cunha Baixa
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is an excellent example of a passage grave,
and the absence of surrounding earth makes the construction
easy to study. Large stone slabs up-ended in the ground
form a passageway, with one large slab as a roof. At the
end is the larger chamber, whose form is identical to a
typical dolmen.
The grave also exhibits some carvings, typical of the
dolmens of the area. Finds from the site included flint
tools, polished stone axes, stone adzes, a fragment of
copper and decorated ceramics. The site is by a little
river.
NAME Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle)
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort / wine press
REGION Viseu - Vila Chα de Sα
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Despite the name, this hillfort dates from the
Bronze Age and was expanded and developed in the Iron Age.
Well-situated on a mountain close to two rivers, its
natural defences are reinforced by up to three surrounding
walls at certain points. The one wall which remains in
good shape exhibits a solid construction with some
overlapping of the stones. Current excavation on the site
is revealing typical hut circles as well as numerous
artifacts of stone, bronze and iron.
Near the hillfort at Pinhal das Martelas one can see a
good example of a stone wine press, of a type quite common
in the area. It consists of a long trough and a large
basin, both cut into the rock, with a small hole cut
between them to allow liquid to run into the basin while
keeping the solids out.
There are two more hillforts in the near vicinity:
Castro dos Trκs Rios and Castro Castaνnca.
NAME Castro da Cαrcoda
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort
REGION Viseu - NW of Sγo Pedro do Sul by
Carvalhais
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is a well-situated hillfort defended by a
wall and deep ditch, reinforced in some places by one or
two more walls. There are clearly-visible remains of
several huts, mostly circular or oval, and areas with
pictographs and cup-markings carved into the rocks. The
site was occupied from late Bronze Age into Roman times.
NAME Castro da Senhora da Guia
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort
REGION Viseu - Baioes outside Sγo Pedro do Sul
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The ruins of hut circles and a defensive wall of
this important industrial center have been mostly
demolished in favor of focussing attention on the chapel
which was superimposed on the site. The main industry
appears to have been the manufacture of bronze tools and
weapons.
Most of the finds, including bronze arrowheads, bronze
double-ring axes and parts of a votive wagon, are now
located in the Museu do Seminαrio Maior de Viseu,
although
a few choice pieces such as two gold torcs and a gold
bracelet are in the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia
e
Etnologia in Lisbon. The site dates from BC 8th century.
NAME Castro da Senhora do Bom Sucesso
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort
REGION Viseu - Chas de Tavares E of Mangualde
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS It is still possible to see traces of the 80
huts (circular and rectangular) and the surrounding wall
of the hillfort and appreciate the views from this well-
chosen site. The fort dates from the Bronze Age but was
still used through Roman times.
NAME Castro Daire
TYPE hillfort
REGION Viseu - 20 miles (32 km) N of Viseu
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This town is built precisely on the site of the
ancient castro, or hillfort. Traces of the walls can still
be seen and the locals often find ancient pieces of
ceramics in their fields.
NAME Castro de Santa Luzia
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort
REGION Viseu - 4 km outside Viseu -
Campo/Abraveses,
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Carbon-14 dating has confirmed that this
hillfort dates from at least BC 10th century, placing it
among the oldest in the region. Initially, the huts were
made of wood with roofs of branches or thatch, but by the
Iron Age the circular stone hut design was employed.
Although many artifacts of ceramic, stone and bronze
have been found, the site has suffered badly from the
excavations and all that now remains visible is a section
of the outer wall.
NAME Cava de Viriato
TYPE battlefield
REGION Viseu - N of the city center of Viseu
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This park may have been the battlefield where
Viriato, the Lusitanian freedom-fighter, made his last
stand against the Romans before he was betrayed. However,
the regularity of the structure, the lack of prehistoric
finds in the field, and the fact that earlier records did
not have Viriato's name associated with it have led
archeologists to conclude that it is a Roman structure.
An octagonal area of 94 acres (38 ha) was bounded by
high 30 ft (9 m) ramparts and a ditch 26 ft (8 m) wide.
Four of the sides are still standing and are sufficiently
broad to provide pleasant tree-lined walkways. A statue of
Viriato and a few comrades, sculpted by the Spaniard
Mariano Benliure, stands at the entrance to the site. The
site of the original Celtic castro of the area is thought
be the hill where the present cathedral is located.
NAME Cova de Lobishomen (Cave of the Wolfman)
TYPE cave
REGION Viseu - 30 km W of Viseu
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The site was used by the Iron Age Celts.
NAME Dolmen of the Orca dos Juncais
TYPE passage grave
REGION Viseu - Vila Nova de Paiva at Queiriga
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Many figures of humans and animals are painted
on the nine slabs which form the dolmen chamber and on a
few of those of the passageway.
NAME Espνrito Santo d'Arca
TYPE dolmen
REGION Viseu - E of Agueda near Caramulo at Arca
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This dolmen has some carvings and several cup-
marks decorating it.
NAME Necropolis of Lobagueira
TYPE neolithic cemetery
REGION Viseu - Couto de Cima near Sγo Pedro de
Sul
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Several of the graves in the territory are
partially uncovered, including an impressive passage grave.
Painted in red ochre on one of the stones on a dolmen are
two hunters, one with a bow.
NAME Orca dos Fiais da Telha
TYPE passage grave
REGION Viseu - by Fiais da Telha near Carregal
do Sal
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS A passage 25 ft (7.5 m) long, still retaining
two roofing slabs, leads to a large chamber whose capstone
measures 10 x 14 ft (4.5x3 m). Small stones which once
covered the mound indicate the original dimensions of the
tumulus (about 115 ft or 35 m in diameter).
NAME Pedra da Lufinha
TYPE pictographs
REGION Viseu - Ribafeita E of Sγo Pedro do Sul
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS A large rock, now broken, is covered with
drawings of a labyrinth and spirals (symbols of rebirth or
reincarnation) and a rectangular grid (sun symbol).
NAME Termas de Sγo Pedro do Sul
TYPE hot springs
REGION Viseu - 20 km (12 mi) NW of Viseu
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The sulphur and sodium waters are recommended in
the treatment of rheumatic, bronchial, skin and
gynaecological ailments. The spa is situated on the Vouga
river.
SARDINIA
NAME Su Nuraxi
TYPE broch / settlement
REGION Barumini
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A broch of drystone structure (nuraghe) dating
from about BC 15th century is surrounded by stone hut
circles from a later period (BC 8th-6th century). Some of
the later structures have several small rooms off a central
area, reminiscent of Chysauster in England.
SCOTLAND
NAME Aberlemno
TYPE Pictish stones / hillfort
REGION Angus - Aberlemno, NE of Forfar
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The church has one Pictish stone carved with
symbols and an armed horseman. Just outside of town is a
grouping of 3 more stones, two with visible carvings.
Southwest of the village is a hillfort called Kemp's
Castle.
NAME Addinston
TYPE hillfort
REGION Borders - SE of Edinburgh near Carfraemill
REMARKS This is a well-preserved hillfort with double
ramparts.
NAME Edinshal Broch (Edin's Hall)
TYPE broch / settlement / fortress
REGION Borders - W of Berwick (Eng) just N of Duns
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site is reached by crossing a suspension
bridge over the White Adder river to the north shore. There
are remains of a double-rampart fort, foundations of stone
circle huts and a broch. The broch had a diameter of 55 ft
(17 m), with chambers and a stairway in the wall.
NAME Eildon Hill North
TYPE hillfort
REGION Borders - ouside Galashiels just SE of Melrose
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort covers 40 acres (16 ha) on the flattish
top of the hill, with over 300 hut circles inside the
ramparts.
NAME Innerleithen
TYPE sacred springs
REGION Borders - S of Edinburgh past Peebles
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sacred spring is still visible but it now
costs money to partake of the waters.
NAME Newstead
TYPE sacred well
REGION Borders - E of Galashiels
REMARKS Sacrificed chariot wheels were found in the
well.
NAME Antonine Wall
TYPE wall
REGION Central - Rough Castle, W of Falkirk near
Bonnybridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Antonine Wall originally stretched 37 mi (60
km) across Scotland from the Firth of Forth to the Clyde.
It was constructed in AD 142-43 by the Romans to protect
themselves from the vicious Picts. A good place to examine
the remains of the wall is Rough Castle.
NAME Dunmore
TYPE hillfort
REGION Central - SE of Stirling
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort is protected by inner stone walls 12 ft
(4 m) thick and partial outer walls as well as by the
natural defenses of the rocky hilltop.
NAME Barsalloch Fort
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort / standing stones
REGION Dumfries & Galloway - eastern shore of Luce Bay
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Barsalloch Fort near Monreith is situated
against a cliff and surrounded by a ditch and double
ramparts in the shape of a horseshoe.
Less than a mile inland are two standing stones
erected beside a large glacial erratic known as the Wren's
Egg.
NAME Birrenswark (Burnswark)
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dumfries & Galloway - near Lockerbie
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This fortress still has remains of circular huts
and ramparts. The inner rampart encircling the hilltop was
built around BC 600. Two Roman camps are also on the site.
NAME Double Dykes
TYPE trench
REGION Dumfries & Galloway - Mull of Galloway, S of
Stranraer
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Picts constructed this earthwork as a
defense against the Dalriada Scots when they invaded in AD
6th century.
NAME Dumtrodden Stones
TYPE standing stones / cup-and-ring markings
REGION Dumfries & Galloway - near Monreith
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site contains a small group of 3 standing
stones, two of which form a NE / SW alignment. Nearby are
two rock outcroppings with cup-and-ring markings, the
largest being a foot in diameter.
NAME Moffat
TYPE curative spring
REGION Dumfries & Galloway - Moffat
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The old sulphur spring is a far cry from the
quiet place it must have been during Celtic times, but the
healing water is still available.
NAME Torhouse Stone Circle
TYPE stone circle
REGION Dumfries & Galloway - S of Newton Stewart near
Wigtown
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone circle dates from about BC 2000. It
is made up of 19 boulders with a triad in the center. There
is another group of three standing stones nearby.
NAME Trusty's Hill
TYPE fortress / Pictish encravings
REGION Dumfries & Galloway - SW of Dumfries
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This small fort by Gatehouse of Fleet has
timber-laced stone walls and some Pictish carvings visible
on a rock near the southeast entrance.
NAME Brandsbutt Stone
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Grampian - by Inverurie, NW of Aberdeen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Pictish stone sits in the middle of a
suburb. The stone has ogham lettering on it as well as the
symbols of the crescent, V-rod and snake.
NAME Culsh Earth House
TYPE dwelling / fogou
REGION Grampian - W of Aberdeen, N of Aboyne,
near Tarland
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a good example of a fogou, or
underground passage, with rock slabs still in position
forming the walls and roof of its 45 ft (14 m) length.
NAME Fort Fiddes
TYPE Bronze Age industrial site
REGION Grampian - Cullykan Bay, near Pennan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Fort Fiddes west of Fraserburgh was a Celtic
Bronze Age industrial site. Artifacts from the Rhine show
that it had two-way trade with the continent.
NAME Inverurie
TYPE Pictish stones
REGION Grampian - 16 mi (26 km) NW of Aberdeen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cemetery has two Pictish stones.
NAME Kintore
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Grampian - Kintore NW of Aberdeen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The old town cemetery has a stone with Pictish
symbols engraved on it.
NAME Loanhead Stone Circle
TYPE calendar (moon and sun) / standing stones
REGION Grampian - near Daviot, N of Inverurie
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A ring of standing stones 65 ft (20 m) in
diameter surrounds a burial cairn. The circle contains a
stone configuration of two standing stones flanking a
horizontal stone. The triad of stones records the extreme
southern position of the moon. Pottery of the Bell Beaker
culture has been found at the site.
A nearby grouping of stones indicates the sunrise at
winter solstice.
NAME Maiden Stone
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Grampian - NW of Inverurie by Chapel of Garioch
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The carvings on this tall Pictish stone are
separated from each other by simple carved borders.
NAME Mons Graupius
TYPE battlefield / hillfort
REGION Grampian - NW of Aberdeen, outside Pitcaple
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Mons Graupius, a hill opposite the Rae Dykes,
was the scene of a great battle between the Celts under
Calgacus and Roman mercenaries under Agricula in AD 84. The
hill is known as Bennachie, and there are still remains of
the hillfort on the peak of Mither Tap.
NAME Picardy Stone
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Grampian - N of Insch near Largie
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone includes engravings of a serpent,
mirror and a double ring symbol.
NAME Sculptors Cave
TYPE cave
REGION Grampian - Covesea, N of Elgin near Lossiemouth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This cave was occupied during the late Bronze
Age and the Iron Age. The rock face at the entrance is
engraved with Pictish symbols. Some of the finds are in
the National Museum in Edinburgh.
NAME Sueno's Stone
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Grampian - outside Forres near Kinloss
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone is 20 ft (6 m) high with a battle
scene engraved on one side and a cross on the other. The
stone is believed to date from AD 9th century.
NAME Witches Stone
TYPE standing stone
REGION Grampian - near Kinloss
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone was thought to have been an altar to
the sun god during early Celtic times. It gained its
present name because it marks the spot where a witch in a
barrel landed when she was rolled down Cluny Hill along
with two other women, unwilling participants in an early
Christian sport.
NAME Barpa Langass
TYPE cairn
REGION Outer Hebrides - N Uist Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-preserved cairn is the burial site of a
Celtic chieftain dating from about BC 1000. The cairn is
about 80 feet (25 m) in diameter and has a passageway
leading to a chamber of 6 x 13 ft (2x4 m).
Taking the left road at the fork out of Loch Maddy
will lead to a low man-made rock structure on the right
side. Visitors are asked to PLEASE stay out of it.
NAME Callanish Standing Stones
TYPE henge / standing stones / cairn
REGION Outer Hebrides - Isle of Lewis, Calllanish
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The henge, west of Stornoway, has four rows of
standing stones radiating to the points of the compass. In
the center of the henge is another standing stone which
marks the passage of the sun during the equinoxes. Sometime
at a later date a cairn was added to the structure. There
is a small on-site museum.
NAME Dun Beag
TYPE Iron Age broch / fortress
REGION Hebrides - Isle of Skye, near Bracadale
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The structure is well-preserved and gives the
explorer a chance to study the design of a broch. Its
double wall is 14 ft (4 m) thick and encloses a stairway
and chambers, one of which has a corbelled roof
construction. On the sites are foundations of out
buildings and nearby is an Iron Age fort called Dun Mor.
NAME Dun Carloway
TYPE broch / standing stones
REGION Outer Hebrides - Isle of Lewis, SW of Carloway
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The broch is still in relatively good condition.
The wall is 30 ft (9 m) high and 12 ft (4 m) thick, leaving
a central area of 25 ft (7.5 m) in diameter. The broch
wall has a stairway and chambers within it. There is a
trio of standing stones nearby, although two are now lying
down on the job.
NAME Dun Torcuill
TYPE broch
REGION Outer Hebrides - N Uist
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a good example of an island broch. It
has a wall 11 ft (3.5 m) thick enclosing a courtyard about
37 ft (11 m) in diameter.
NAME Dunsgiath Castle
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Hebrides - southern Isle of Skye
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ruins of the fort are on the side of Loch
Eishort, northeast from Tarskavaig. It was reputed to have
been the fortress of the warrior Scathach who taught Cu
Chulainn the art of combat.
NAME Iona - Innis nan Druidhneah (Island of Druids)
TYPE sacred island / sanctuary
REGION Strathclyde - Inner Hebrides
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Iona (Icolmkill, Hy, Hii, I ) was a most sacred
island to the pre-Christian druids and there is a Celtic
sanctuary under the reconstructed church. In ancient times
the word Iona referred to circle or sun. The name Hy
reflects the presence of yew trees sacred to the Celtic
druids. Interestingly, the island is made up of the oldest
rock in the world.
NAME Kilpheder
TYPE Iron Age wheelhouse
MAP REF 0
REGION Outer Hebrides - South Uist Island
REMARKS On the plain outside of Kilpheder there is a
Pictish wheelhouse with a central hearth and rooms that
radiate from it. Below-level is a drainage system and a
storage hole.
NAME Pobull Fhinn (Finn's People)
TYPE standing stones
REGION Outer Hebrides - N Uist Island, near Lochmaddy
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The footpath from behind the hotel leads to the
standing stones which locals claim to be a sacrifical site.
NAME Ardvanish Stone Circle
TYPE standing stones
REGION Highlands - Caithness, N of Lybster at
Achkinloch
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The standing stones form a horseshoe shape.
Originally there was another set of stones as well.
NAME Ashie Moor
TYPE Iron Age vitrified hillfort
REGION Highlands - SW of Inverness, W of Loch
Duntelchaig
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a good example of a vitrified fort.
NAME Baile Chladaich
TYPE Iron Age broch
REGION Highlands - Sutherland
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The broch, dating from BC 100, is double-walled
drystone with passages and rooms between the walls.
NAME Baile Marghait
TYPE settlement Iron Age
REGION Highlands - northern Caithness, S of Bettyhill
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This ancient community contains a broch, remains
of circle huts and grave sites.
NAME Ben Nevis
TYPE sacred mountain
REGION Highlands - SE of Fort Williams
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This was one of the places were Diarmaid was
said to have died after killing the boar.
NAME Brora
TYPE broch
REGION Highlands - Brora, SW of Helmsdale on North Sea
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The broch is situated just north of town on the
coastal side of the road. Two headless skeletons were
found on the site.
NAME Cherry Island
TYPE crannog
REGION Highlands - Loch Ness, just N of Fort Augustus
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Remains of a Celtic crannog have been found in
this lake of legends.
NAME Clava Cairns
TYPE calendar / cairns / standing stones / cup marks
REGION Highlands - E of Inverness near Culloden
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The calendar consists of 3 cairns which are
aligned on a NE / SW axis. The passages of the outer two
cairns are on the same alignment and mark the sunset on the
winter solstice. Each cairn is enclosed by a circle of
standing stones, and the center cairn has a number of stone
spokes radiating from the center. A number of stones on
the site have cup marks.
NAME Corrimony Cairn
TYPE stone circle / cairn
REGION Highlands - Cannich, SW of Inverness
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The 70 ft (21 m) diameter stone circle encloses
a 45 ft (14 m) diameter cairn with a passage on a NE / SW
aligment. The roofstone of the tomb has many cup markings.
NAME Dun Creich
TYPE Iron Age vitrified promontory fort
REGION Highlands - Dornoch Firth, SE of Bonar Bridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS After exploring the vitrified promontory fort
one can visit cairns, standing stones and other ancient
sites in the local area.
NAME Dun Grugaig
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / broch
REGION Highlands - near Glenelg, past Glenelg brochs
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The small D-shaped fort is located on the edge
of an outcrop and, like a broch, has chambers within its 14
ft (4 m) thick wall. There is also a cairn with a passage
grave nearby at Balvraid.
NAME Dun Telve / Dun Troddan
TYPE Iron Age brochs
REGION Highlands - by Dunelg
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-preserved walls of these two brochs
contain several small rooms.
NAME Dundornadilla (Dun Dornaigil)
TYPE broch
REGION Highlands - Strath More, near Ben Hope
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The broch wall is 14 ft (4 m) thick, 22 ft (7 m)
high and contains a chamber.
NAME Eagle Stone
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Highlands - by Strathpeffer, W of Dingwall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The pathway by Eaglestone House leads to the
Pictish stone. There is a marker describing some of the
history connected with the stone and its placement. The
stone has been carefully embedded in concrete to avert the
fulfillment of the Brahan Seer's prediction of doom.
NAME Edderton Calendar
TYPE calendar (sun / moon)
REGION Highlands - NW of Tain near Edderton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site is a solar/lunar observatory where a
Pictish stone (Clachbiorach - pointed stone) lines up with
hills on the distant horizon to indicate the 8 festival
days of the sun calendar and the minor standstill of the
moon which occurs every 19 years (one in 1996). The dates
for the quarters are roughly November 6th, February 4th,
May 4th and August 7th.
NAME Fingal's Steps (Ceumanan Fhinn)
TYPE stone steps
REGION Highlands - Caithness, N of Helmsdale
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Near the summit of Beinn Morven are steps
accredited to Fionn mac Cumhaill.
NAME Grey Cairns of Camster
TYPE cairn (restored)
REGION Highlands - Caithness, N of Lybster
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This restored site dates about BC 2500 and is
well worth visiting. The round cairn is 60 ft (18 m) in
diameter and its 10 foot (3 m) chamber is divided into
three sections. The whole structure has impressive stone
work. The other rectangular cairn is 200 ft (60 m) long
and 65 ft (20 m) wide. It was constructed to cover two
earlier round cairns. Finds at the site include remains of
both animals and humans as well as pottery and flint.
NAME Hill o' Many Stanes
TYPE sacred site
REGION Highlands - Caithness, S of Wick near Ulbster
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There were 250 stones set in 22 non-parallel
lines converging on a northernly point to form a fan.
NAME Kilmorack Forts
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Highlands - W of Inverness
REMARKS Just outside the village of Kilmorack, there are
ruins of two Celtic forts.
NAME Kilphedir Broch
TYPE Iron Age broch
REGION Highlands - near Helmsdale, in Sutherland
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Numerous prehistoric sites are in the area.
NAME Knockfarrel
TYPE Iron Age vitrified hillfort
REGION Highlands - near Strathpeffer, W of Dingwall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Just west of Dingwall is a good example of a
vitrified Iron Age fort. The ridge that the fort sits on
is called the Cat's Back, or Druim Chat. There are
numerous legends which link Fionn with the Picts and it is
claimed that he and the Fianna used this fort.
NAME Loch Eriboll
TYPE fogou
REGION Highlands - Sutherland district, W of Tongue
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Just north of the Laid school on the west bank
of the loch is an ancient fogou in excellent condition. The
loch is also the site of a Brahan Seer prophecy that has
come true.
NAME Loch Ussie
TYPE sacred lake
REGION Highlands - near Dingwall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Brahan Seer threw his divining ring into
this lake before his death. He prophesied that it would be
swallowed by a fish which will be caught by someone with 7
toes on each foot and 7 fingers on each hand.
NAME Rangag Broch
TYPE broch
REGION Highlands - Caithness, near Latheron
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The broch dates from BC 150 and at one time had
walls that were 50 ft (15 m) high.
NAME Rodney's Stone
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Highlands - E of Nairn, outside Brodie
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Pictish symbols are filled in with elegant
Celtic patternwork. There is also some ogham writing on
the side of the stone.
NAME Shandwick
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Highlands - Shandwick, SE of Tain
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This stone, standing in a field, is quite worn
but most of the intricate high-relief carving is still
visible.
NAME Strathpeffer Spa
TYPE curative spring
REGION Highlands - Strathpeffer, outside Dingwall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The mineral springs contain sulphur and iron
salts.
NAME Wall of the Fians (Garadh na Feinne)
TYPE wall
REGION Highlands - Isle of Skye, near Kilmuir
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The construction of the unusual wall on an
extremely steep incline is credited to the Fianna.
NAME West and East Wemyss
TYPE caves
REGION Highlands - Fife, NE of Kirkcaldy
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The caves have been in use since the early
Bronze Age and display a large collection of engravings.
NAME Castlelaw
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Lothian - outside Edinburgh near Milton Bridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has been restored and has a 65 ft
(20 m) fogou leading to a corbelled roof chamber. There
are hut circles visible, and the defences consist of three
ramparts and ditches. Finds include a bronze buckle from
AD 2nd century as well as iron, glass and pottery.
NAME Cockleroy Hill (Cochull Ruadh "red-capped hill")
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Lothian - W of Edinburgh outside Linlithgow
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Remains of a Pictish fortress are visible on the
hilltop.
NAME Holyrood Park
TYPE hillforts
REGION Lothian - Edinburgh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The park contains the remains of 3 hillforts and
is thought to have been a stronghold of the Votadini tribe.
Ard Thor (Height of Thor) or Arthur's Seat is a large rock
outcrop in the middle of one of the forts. In ancient
times, Ard Thor was the site of the local Beltainn fires.
NAME Traprain Law
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Lothian - E of Edinburgh past Haddington
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Traprain Law was the center for the Votadini
tribe and was built in two stages. The second stage was
built in AD 3rd-5th century with a smaller but stronger
defence. The wall was 12 ft (3.5 m) in thickness. Hut
circles from the earlier fort are still visible between the
wall and the outer rampart. In 1919 a treasure hoard was
found and is now displayed in the Royal Museum.
NAME Gurness
TYPE broch
REGION Orkney - NE coast of Mainland Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The original broch on the Aikerness promontory
had double rampart defences and at later dates the Picts
and Norse both added on to include more chambers and
outbuildings. There is a small on-site museum.
NAME Maes Howe
TYPE calendar (sun) / cairn
REGION Orkney - Mainland Island, W of Kirkwall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A large stone cairn was built around BC 2700
with the extra function of marking the winter solstice by
allowing the sun to shine 34 ft (10 m) into the chamber.
There is a ghost which guards the site.
NAME Midhowe
TYPE cairn / broch (promontory fort)
REGION Orkney - Rousay Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cairn has 25 cells in a chamber 76 ft (23 m)
long and 7 ft (2 m) wide. Twenty-five human skeletons were
found there. The walls are constructed of stone in a
herringbone design.
The broch sits on a promontory with rampart defences.
Its walls are still in good condition and one can see a
dividing wall with hearths on each side flanked by
cubicles. One of the out-buildings has an industrial
hearth for smelting metals, and some bronze jewellery was
found on the site, as well as objects of bone and stone.
NAME Ring of Brogar
TYPE calendar / standing stones / cairns
REGION Orkney - Mainland Island, W of Kirkwall
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The calendar was originally made up of 60
standing stones set 6 degrees apart. The circle was 370 ft
(112 m) in diameter. The calendar has a ditch cut from
bedrock which measures 8 ft (2 m) deep and 27 ft (9 m)
wide. There were two causeways crossing the ditch on a NW
/ SE axis. Bronze Age cairns can be seen nearby.
NAME Skara Brae
TYPE settlement
REGION Orkney - western coast of Mainland Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Neolithic settlement is 5000 years old and
was buried under sand for a long time. Everthing was built
from stone including beds, cupboards, shelves, hearths.
There is an on-site museum which displays some of the
finds.
NAME Benie Hoose / Yoxie
TYPE standing stones
REGION Shetland - Whalsay Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Local lore claims that the stones are the
dwelling places of druids.
NAME Clickhimin Broch
TYPE Bronze/Iron Age settlement / Iron Age broch
REGION Shetland - Mainland Island, by Lerwick
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This AD 1st century broch is situated on an
island in a loch and must be reached by a causeway. It has
an outside diameter of 65 ft (20 m) with a 15 ft (5 m) wall
enclosing a number of chambers. The settlement started as
a farmstead in BC 9th century, then was developed into a
drystone-walled fort around BC 6th-5th century.
NAME Jarlshof
TYPE settlement (Bronze Age / Iron Age) / broch
REGION Shetland - Mainland Island, outside of Sumburgh
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site dates from about BC 2000 and includes
the remains of huts, an industrial area, livestock pens, a
broch, a wheelhouse and other more modern buildings.
NAME Mousa Broch
TYPE broch / wheelhouse
REGION Shetland - Mousa Island, boat from Mainland
Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The broch is exceptionally well preserved with
drystone walls 40 ft (12 m) high. The wall tapers from 20
ft (6 m) in thickness at the bottom to 7 ft (2 m) at the
top. The structure is roughly 50 ft (15 m) in diameter.
The walls contain numerous chambers and a stairway. The
broch also has 3 large corbelled-roof chambers off the
courtyard. It was built 2000 years ago and is well worth
the visit.
NAME Stanydale
TYPE settlements
REGION Shetland - Mainland Island, Walls
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The settlement includes the remains of several
stone houses, most with one large central area and a few
small rooms. The largest is over 36 ft (11 m) long and has
walls 13 ft (4 m) thick. One of the large roof posts was
made of spruce, thought to be driftwood from North America.
Within a few miles of this site are remains of similar
settlements.
NAME Bar Hill
TYPE sacred well
REGION Strathclyde - Dumbartonshire
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Sacrificed chariot wheels were found in the
well.
NAME Clac a Choire (Stone of Corrie)
TYPE stone (engraved) / springs
REGION Strathclyde - Tiree island, W of Mull
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Although the Stone of Corrie has numerous
drawings on it, the most notable aspect is that it emits
musical notes when struck properly. There are also fresh
water springs and ruins in the area.
NAME Corryvrecken (Cauldron of Brecan)
TYPE whirlpool
REGION Strathclyde - between Jura and Scarba Islands
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This whirlpool is sometimes known as Morrigan's
cauldron and sometimes as Brecan's.
NAME Diarmaid's Cave (Uaimh Dhiarmaid)
TYPE cave
REGION Strathclyde - Tiree W of Mull
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a large cave at water level facing the
Atlantic.
NAME Dun Mor Vaul
TYPE broch
REGION Strathclyde - Tiree Island, NW of Vaul
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The broch is 30 ft (9 m) in diameter with a 15
ft (5 m) thick wall. The tower fort is enclosed by a large
rampart and dates from BC 1st century.
NAME Dunadd Fort
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Strathclyde - S of Oban by Cairnbaan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Dunadd was the center of the invading Dal Riada
in AD 6th century. A rock on the site has an engraving of
a boar, ogham writing, a basin and a footprint. This is
believed to be a coronation stone for the chieftains. The
visible defences are of a later date.
NAME Field of Heads
TYPE battlefield / burial site
REGION Strathclyde - near Ardfen Village, S of Oban
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This was the site of a fierce battle between the
Celts and the Vikings. There is now a walk which leads to
the cairns where the dead heroes were buried. According to
legend, the nearby standing stone Leac an Duine Choir
(Stone of the Just Man) speaks to those who have the
ability to hear.
NAME Fingal's Cauldron Seat
TYPE stone circle
REGION Strathclyde - Arran Island on Machrie Moor
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has a stone circle inside a stone oval.
The outer oval has a stone with a hole in it and this is
said to be where Fionn mac Cumhaill tied his dog Bran while
he cooked his meal in the center circle.
NAME Fingal's Cave (Uaimh Fhinn)
TYPE cave
REGION Strathclyde - Staffa Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Also called The Cave of Music (An Uamh Binn) the
cave was used by Fionn mac Cumhaill and his Fianna. The
ebb and flow of the water and the wind creates haunting
sounds from the mouth of the cave. Staffa Island can be
reached from Dervaig or Ulva.
NAME Granny Kempock's Stone
TYPE sacred stone
REGION Strathclyde - Kempock's Point
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cubical stone was thought to be a ritual
stone of the druids. Fishermen used it as an altar to make
votive offerings to the sea goddess while circling it 7
times. Childless couples also made offerings and walk
around it in a sunwise direction. The church, being
jealous of these pagan practices, has had it fenced off.
The holy site overlooks the Firth.
NAME Na Sgeulachan (Teller of Tales)
TYPE calendar / standing stones
REGION Strathclyde - Totronald, Coll Island off Mull
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are two pillars which are believed to be
the remains of a calendar. There are numerous other
remains on the island.
NAME Nether Largie
TYPE moon calendar / cairns / standing stones /
cists
REGION Strathclyde - between Kilmartin and Cairnbaan
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site contains cairns, standing stones,
recontructed cists with cup markings and engravings of
axes. The cairns are in alignment and one has been
reconstructed allowing a view of its chamber and burial
compartments. The standing stones align with distant
landmarks to indicate the extreme settings of the moon.
Finds on the site include a jet necklace and Bell Beaker
pottery.
NAME Oban Rare Breeds Animal Park
TYPE park (animal)
REGION Strathclyde - Oban
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is a good place to see breeds of cattle,
pigs, and goats that are similar to or the same as those of
the Celts.
NAME Tinto Hill - Teinteach (place of fire)
TYPE sacred site
REGION Strathclyde - SW of Edinburgh near Wiston
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The top of the hill is an ancient site where the
local Beltainn fires were lit and ritual sacrifices held.
NAME Tobermory
TYPE sacred well
REGION Strathclyde - Island of Mull, Tobermory
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well is on the western outskirts of town by
the remains of an old chapel. The waters gave their name
to the town. (Tiobar is Gaelic for well.)
NAME Abernethy
TYPE Pictish stone / hillfort
REGION Tayside - Abernethy, SE of Perth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Pictish stone is in the base of the round
tower and the symbols are highly visible.
The Castle Law hillfort outside of town has thick
walls of timber and stone construction. The view adds an
extra reason for the visit.
NAME Barry Hill
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Tayside - near Alyth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Scottish version of the Arthurian legend
claims that Gwynhyvar was imprisoned in this Pictish
fortress by Arthur.
NAME Broughty Ferry
TYPE fogou
REGION Tayside - just E of Dundee
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The two sites of Ardestie and Carlungie both
have stones with cup-and-ring markings incorporated into
their fogous. The stone roof slabs are missing, so the
passages and chambers of the fogous are easy to see.
NAME Caterthuns
TYPE Iron Age hillforts
REGION Tayside - NW of Brechin
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are two hillforts with walls 40 ft (12 m)
thick in some places. The larger of the two, White
Caterthun, is about 230 x 500 ft (70x150 m) and has a
water reservoir. Brown Caterthun is about 200 x 260 ft
(60x80 m) in size and has five ramparts, each with several
entrances.
NAME Cossans Stone (St Orland's Stone)
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Tayside - W of Forfar near Cossans
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone, situated in a field near the railway
station, has an engraving of people in a boat.
NAME Finavon
TYPE vitrified hillfort
REGION Tayside - Finavon, NE of Forfar
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Iron Age hillfort was of rectangular shape
with walls 20 ft (6 m) thick, interlaced with timber and
filled with rocks. The walls were 500 x 120 ft (153x36 m)
and enclosed an area over an acre in size.
Inside the fort there were two wells and evidence of
hearths. The flaw in this type of structure was realized
when the enemy tunneled under the wall and set fire to the
timber which blazed up, melting the stone fill.
NAME Fortingall
TYPE yew tree / standing stones
REGION Tayside - Fortingall, SW of Pitlochry
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The yew tree in the churchyard is said to be
3000 years old. There are also 3 sets of standing stones
in the area.
NAME Glamis Stone
TYPE Pictish stone
REGION Tayside - Glamis, N of Dundee
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Glamis Stone is a 9 ft (3 m) standing stone with
Pictish symbols engraved on the surface. It is situated on
church property across from the Angus Folk Museum.
NAME Pitcur
TYPE fogou
REGION Tayside - Pitcur, NE of Perth near Coupar Angus
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This fogou is dilapidated but impressive because
of its length of over 250 ft (75 m). The stone roof is
still in place for 50 ft (15 m).
NAME Reekie Linn
TYPE waterfall
REGION Tayside - N of Alyth near Kirriemu
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In order to reach the waterfall follow the trail
from the bridge of Craigisla. The waterfall is said to be
the home of kelpies.
SLOVAKIA
NAME Baraca
TYPE settlement
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Unetice site has been excavated, revealing 2
ramparts surrounding a village with a well-laid-out plan.
NAME Trencianske Teplice
TYPE hot springs
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The springs have therapeutic value for people
with injuries, rheumatism and respiratory ailments.
SPAIN
NAME Cueva de los Letteras
TYPE pictograph
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The pictograph shows drawings of Yule women
similar to those found in Scandinavia and Peterborough,
Canada.
NAME Branas
TYPE villages
REGION Asturias - Cangas de Narcea W of Oviedo
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The nomadic shepherds (vaqueiros de Alzada)
build Celtic-style settlements.
NAME Castro de Arancedo
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Asturias - near La Caridad
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Arancedo is a very large hillfort with remains
of hut circles and stone walls still visible.
NAME Castro de Coana
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / settlement
REGION Asturias
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Southwest of the town of Navia are well-
preserved remains of a Celtic settlement with defensive
walls, sentry walks, stone-paved walkways, a meeting hall
and rooms. Excavations for a new road dissected an ancient
tunnel which is thought to be part of a track to Castro
Mohias, several miles away on the coast. The region was
inhabited by the Astures tribe.
NAME Castro de San Chuis
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Asturias - Allande, W of Oviedo
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS There are still some remains of the settlement
that can be explored.
NAME Castro Mohias
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Asturias - W of Navia
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The remains of numerous dwellings have been
uncovered and portions of a deep ditch have been excavated.
During roadwork on the nearby highway an ancient tunnel was
exposed which is believed to have connected this hillfort
with Castro de Coana.
NAME Muniellos Forest Reserve
TYPE oak forest / wildlife reserve
REGION Asturias - Cangas de Narcea
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This 20 sq mile (50 sq km) ancient oak forest is
the largest remaining on the Iberian peninsula. Also of
interest is the population of wolves and bears.
NAME Pena-Tu
TYPE Bronze Age standing stone
REGION Asturias - Vidiago
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The standing stone is 32 ft (10 m) high and has
one side covered with Celtic symbols.
NAME Vega de Urriello
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Asturias - in Picos de Europa
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is the site of a sacred spring with a
refuge hut nearby.
NAME Avila
TYPE stone sculptures
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - in Avila
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Various prehistoric stone sculptures of boars,
bulls and bears are scattered around the town and the
province of Avila. Similar ones can be seen at Lumbrales
(Salamanca province) and at Braganηa and Murca in Portugal.
NAME Candeleda
TYPE hillfort
REGION Avila - SW of Arenas de San Pedro
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Remains of the hillfort are still visible.
NAME Cardenosa
TYPE hillfort
REGION Avila - N of Avila at Cardenosa
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The hillfort is situated near the Adaja river.
NAME Chamartin
TYPE hillfort
REGION Avila - W of Avila at Chamartin
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Remains of the hillfort are still visible.
NAME Guisando Bulls
TYPE stone sculpture
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - Avila province
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS At El Tiemblo there are four stone bulls dating
from BC 6th century stand side by side.
NAME Ulaca
TYPE hillfort
REGION Avila - SW of Avila by Solosancho
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Remains of the hillfort are still visible.
NAME Castro de Merchenes
TYPE hillfort
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - Salamanca province
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS East of Lumbrales are traces of a settlement
built into the contours of the land. They can be seen by
following the eastern Yeltes riverbank northwards from the
Vitigudino-Lumbrales road.
NAME Cerralbo Verraco
TYPE stone sculpture
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - Salamanca province
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS At Lumbrales, the little square in the village
has a stone sculpture of a boar which is similar to many in
the region such as those of Avila and Toro (Spain) and
Braganηa (Portugal).
NAME Fuentes Tamaricas
TYPE spring
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - Palencia, Velilla del Carriσn
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The spring was known in ancient times. There is
an impressive stone arch over the water.
NAME Puerta de Anνbal
TYPE sculpture / gateway
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - in city of Salamanca
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The well-preserved gateway dating from BC 3rd
century depicts Celtiberian scenes from the Punic wars.
NAME Toro
TYPE stone sculpture
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - Zamora province
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The town of Toro sits on the banks of the Duero
river and was in the territory of the Vacceo tribe. The
stone sculpture, similar to many in the region, probably
dates from that time. As in Murca (Portugal) some 100
miles (160 km) to the west, this is another case of
confused identity, as the sculpture is of a boar and the
town's name refers to a bull.
NAME Yecla la Vieja
TYPE hillfort
REGION Castilla-y-Leon - Salamanca province
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Southwest of Vitigudino by the Yeltes river
there is a very impressive hillfort currently being
restored. There are substantial remains of many circular
huts and surrounding defensive walls. Pictographs are
visible on some of the walls.
NAME A Coruna (Brigantium)
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Galicia - at city of A Coruna (La Corunna)
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Brigantium was the center of the Artabros tribe
of which Breogan was a chieftain. The site was originally
an island but has since silted up and is now a peninsula.
The locals still refer to it as Brigantinos.
NAME Ancares de Leon National Park
TYPE Celtic territory
REGION Galicia / Castilla-y-Leon - near Ponferrada
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The whole area, which contains 27 villages and
hamlets, is known for its ancient ways. The typical
pallozas, or large round stone huts with high thatched
roofs and central hearths, are dwellings built in a style
dating back to ancient Celtic times. Good examples can be
seen in the villages of Piornedo and Balouta.
The chillones (screamer cart) constructed in a Bronze
Age design is still used as one of the modes of
transportation in the region. Ancient stands of oak,
chestnut, holly, birch and hazel trees and open land
covered with cranberry bushes, heather and gorse give a
glimpse of a typical environment of the Celts.
NAME As Burgas
TYPE hot springs
REGION Galicia - in the city of Ourense
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The water at these 3 springs steam with
temperatures around 150Ί F (65Ί C). They are used not only
for medicinal drinking but also for cooking, baths and
central heating. They have run continuously since ancient
times and provided a good reason for the constant
occupation of the site.
NAME Breogan's Tower
TYPE lighthouse
REGION Galicia - at La Coruna (Brigantium)
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The lighthouse sits on the site of an ancient
tower built by the Celtic Artabros tribe. Ith, the son of
Breogan, sited Ireland from this tower, leading to the
conquest of Ireland by the children of Golamh. The Romans
rebuilt the tower, which is the oldest working lighthouse
still standing.
NAME Cabo Fisterra (End of the Earth)
TYPE sanctuary
REGION Galicia - W of Santiago de Compostela
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This site was the end of the long pilgrimage
routes which date back to Neolithic times. The Celts
coming from different parts of Europe used these routes to
reach the end of the world. These routes were in heavy use
during the peak of Christian times but then ended at
Santiago de Compostela, the final resting-place of the
Celtic druid Prisciliano.
NAME Caldas de Reis
TYPE spa
REGION Galicia - Pontevedra province
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The spa is situated in an attractive town with
sandy beaches on the river Umia and a park protecting over
100 species of trees. It is said that the person who
drinks from the sacred spring (Roman fountain) will be
married within the year.
NAME Castro Barona
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Galicia - A Coruna province SW of Noia
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This impressive fortress was built on an island
of rocks but is now accessible from the beach on a point
jutting out into the sea. The partially restored fort has
hut circles, walls, stairways and the remains of a roadway
on the mainland.
NAME Castro de Mao
TYPE hillfort
REGION Galicia - Ourense province near Ramirans
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The site boasts well-preserved circle huts and
magnificent views.
NAME Castro do Chan
TYPE Iron Age fort
REGION Galicia - N coast of Lugo province, near Burela
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Some gold jewellery which was discovered at this
site is now on display in the Lugo Museum.
NAME Castro Maior
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Galicia - outside Castromaior
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The remains of the hillfort are still visible.
NAME Cuntis
TYPE spa / hot springs
REGION Galicia - NE of Pontevedra at Cuntis
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The very hot waters (over 140Ί F or 60Ί C),
known since Celtic times, are recommended in the treatment
of rheumatism.
NAME Eira d'os Mooros
TYPE pictograph
REGION Galicia
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS There is a celestial map engraved in stone.
NAME Fazouro
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Galicia - Lugo province, near Foz
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The Celtic village near the sea is relatively
intact.
NAME Monte Alto
TYPE pictograph
REGION Galicia - the city of La Coruna
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Near the site of Breogan's tower is a pictograph
in the rock of the powder magazine of Monte Alto. It is a
schematic drawing of figures in circles and a man on a
horse. It has been suggested that this is a record of the
expeditions of Ith or the sons of Golamh.
NAME Monte Santa Tecla
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Galicia - Pontevedra province at A
Guarda
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This is an impressive Celtic settlement. There
are over 100 hut circles, drywalls, streets, cisterns,
reconstructed huts and an interesting stone roadway (with
drainage culverts) leading down to the new town. Finds
from the site are contained in a small museum at the top of
the hill.
NAME Noia Dolmen
TYPE passage grave
REGION Galicia - SW of Santiago
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS On a hill outside the town of Noia there is a
passage to the chamber that is being destroyed by workmen
building a modern "high-rise" cemetery next to the site.
Hopefully the dolmen will survive.
NAME Pedrafita do Cebreiro
TYPE village
REGION Galicia - eastern border of Lugo province
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS In the village, there is a group of pallozas
(Celtic-style stone dwellings). One of them is now a
pilgrim's hostel and another is an ethnographic museum.
NAME Ribeira
TYPE hillfort
REGION Galicia - A Coruna province at Ribeira
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS Behind the lookout at Ribeira are faint traces
of a Celtic settlement. The fantastic view makes the trip
worth while.
NAME Vigo
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / sunken treasure
REGION Galicia - Pontevedra province at Vigo
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS This was a Celtic center and is supposed to have
sunken treasure. Ruins of a Celtic hillfort are being
excavated on the harbor side of the "Parque del Castro"
below the walls of the Castillo de San Sebastian.
NAME Numancia (Numantia)
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Soria - N of the town of Soria
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The Celtic inhabitants of this hillfort near the
headwaters of the Duero River held out against a Roman
siege for 20 years. Finally, rather than allow themselves
to be subjected to Roman rule they committed mass suicide
in the year BC 133. The Romans destroyed the fort and then
rebuilt a Roman site. Excavation is continuing and the
museum in Soria conveys the information and displays
artifacts that have been uncovered.
NAME Lake Sanabria Nature Park
TYPE nature park
REGION Zamora
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The highland park covers an area of over 12,000
acres (5000 ha) and gives a good example of what would be
considered an ideal environment by the ancient Celts. The
area is protected by 3 mountain ranges and has over 40
lagoons of clear fresh water, as well as the impressive
waterfalls of the river Tera near its headwaters.
There is an abundance of trees considered sacred to
the Celts, including oak, chestnut, holly, yew, alder, ash
and birch. The nearby Reserve of the Sierra de la Culebra
(160,000 acres or 66,000 ha) can help in recreating the
image of ancient times with its population of wolves, wild
boar, stags, roe deer, hares, quails and partridge.
NAME San Pedro de la Nave
TYPE Celtic carvings
REGION Zamora - miles (20 km) W of Zamora
MAP REF 1 D+
REMARKS The village, on the pilgrimage trail to Cabo
Fisterra, has an AD 7th century church decorated with a
mixture of carvings including spirals, birds and animals
which show a Celtic influence.
SWITZERLAND
NAME Hohensiedlung Burg
TYPE hillfort (Bronze Age / Urnfield)
REMARKS Finds at this hillfort included an antler cheek-
piece with a carved horsehead on the end.
NAME Baden
TYPE hot springs
REGION Aargau - on the Rhine
REMARKS The nineteen sulphur springs are recommended for
the treatment of rheumatism, gout, and lung ailments. The
water contains sodium, calcium chloride and sulphate.
NAME Rheinfelden
TYPE curative springs
REGION Aargau - on the Rhine
REMARKS The water from two springs have a high
concentration of salt and are recommended for the treatment
of rheumatism, gynaecological troubles, heart, circulation
and metabolism.
NAME Zurzach
TYPE hot springs
REGION Aargau - on the Rhine
REMARKS The waters, which have sodium sulphate,
chloride, hydrogen carbonate, are recommended for the
treatment of rheumatism, heart, circulation and metabolism.
NAME Beatusholen
TYPE caves
REGION Berne - west of Interlaken
REMARKS A visit to the caves allows a view of an
underground river.
NAME Bad / Bogn
TYPE curative spring
REGION Grisons - on the Rhine
REMARKS The alkaline springs contain iron.
NAME Bad Scuol
TYPE curative springs
REGION Grisons
REMARKS The water has a heavy concentration of carbonic
acid and is recommended for treating disorders of the
liver, stomach, bile ducts, intestine, gallbladder and
urinary tract.
NAME Bad Tarasp
TYPE hot springs
REGION Grisons - just SW of Scuol
REMARKS This hot spring is high in iron and sodium
sulphate and is recommended for disorders of the liver,
stomach, bile ducts, intestine, gall bladder and urinary
tract.
NAME Bad Val Sinestra
TYPE hot springs
REGION Grisons - Val Sinestra
REMARKS These iron-rich hot springs are in a beautiful
setting.
NAME Bad Vals
TYPE hot springs
REGION Grisons - near Surcasti
REMARKS The water is recommended for rheumatism and
improving metabolism and circulation because it contains
hydrogen and calcium sulphate.
NAME Cuoira / Coire / Cuera / Chur
TYPE settlement
REGION Grisons
REMARKS This is the site of an ancient Celtic settlement
on the Plessur River close to its confluence with the
Rhine. The name derives from the Celtic word Kora or Koria
(tribe or clan). The area is a fertile valley with a mild
winter and contains some of the major mountain passes. The
site has been occupied since BC 3000.
NAME Rothenbrunnen
TYPE curative spring
REGION Grisons - on the Rhine
REMARKS The waters contain iron and iodine, and are
bottled for distribution.
NAME San Bernardino Pass
TYPE pass
REGION Grisons
REMARKS This pass with an altitude of about 6700 feet
(2000 m) was well-known to the Celts.
NAME St Moritz Bad
TYPE curative springs
REGION Grisons - on St Moritzer See
REMARKS The springs contain iron and a considerable
amount of carbonic acid, and are recommended in the
treatment of rheumatism, gynaecological troubles and
metabolism.
NAME Tenigerbad / Bagn Sumvitg
TYPE curative spring
REGION Grisons - on the Rhine
REMARKS The waters are recommended for the treatment of
rheumatism, metabolism, and respiratory ailments.
NAME Neuenburg Lake
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Neuchβtel (Neuenburg)
REMARKS The site excavated in 1858 produced evidence of
another culture and was given the name La Tθne, a culture
born in the area around the middle Rhine (Germany and
northeast France). The La Tθne period began around BC 6th
century and lasted until the coming of the Romans.
NAME Kristallhohle
TYPE cave
REGION St Gallen - near Oberriet
REMARKS The cave has an underground lake and limestone
crystals.
NAME Bodensee (Lake Constance)
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age settlement
REGION Thurgau - St Gallen
REMARKS The level of this lake fluctuates and when it is
low in late February it is possible to see the remains of
piles that were used to support dwellings. Some of the hut
groups dated from BC 3000 and others from around BC 800.
The Celtic Brigantes tribe moved into the area around BC
13th century, inheriting the territory deserted earlier by
the Ligurians. The huts were round or oblong in shape and
were built on platforms above the lake on piles with clay
floors, thatched roofs, and stone hearths.
The Wangen site has approximately 50,000 piles. The
lake dwellers lived quite well off fish, fowl, domesticated
animals, cereal crops and apples. Romans invaded this
Celtic area in BC 1st century.
NAME Brig
TYPE pass
REGION Valais
REMARKS This town was an important junction point to
those travelling over the mountains of the area. It sits
on the Rhone, and three passes are accessible from it: the
Simplon, the Furka, and the Nufenen.
NAME Great St Bernard Pass
TYPE pass
REGION Valais
REMARKS At over 8000 ft (2400 m), this is the second
highest pass in the Swiss Alps and was well-known to the
Celts.
NAME Grotte de St-Leonard
TYPE cave
REGION Valais - near Sion at St Leonard
REMARKS There is a lake in the cave.
NAME Leukerbad / Loeche-les-Bains
TYPE pass / hot springs
REGION Valais
REMARKS This site was important in mountain travel,
being on the Rhτne River, close to the Gemmi pass, and
having 20 hot springs. The hot springs contain sulphur and
lime and are recommended for the treatment of rheumatism,
gout, and paralysis.
NAME Pierre des Sauvages
TYPE standing stone (pictograph)
REGION Valais - near Vissoie in the Val d'Anniveirs
REMARKS On the mountain above the village of St-Luc
there is a standing stone with engraved symbols.
NAME Theodul Pass
TYPE pass
REGION Valais
REMARKS Although this pass has a high altitude (over
10,800 ft or 3300 m) it provided a good passageway for the
Celts, as the surrounding glaciers had not moved so far
down the mountainsides in those days.
NAME Yverdon
TYPE sacred spring
REGION Vaud
REMARKS The sulphur spring is found in the Centre
Thermal.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
NAME Gungywamp Megalithic Chambers
TYPE subterranean chamber
REGION Connecticut - Groton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The chamber takes advantage of the natural shape
of the earth.
NAME Megalithic Chamber
TYPE calendar / burial chamber
REGION Connecticut - Danbury
MAP REF 0
REMARKS One of the lintel stones has an engraving of the
ancient symbol for the equinox. A circle is divided in
half with one half etched out to represent the dark half of
the year and the other representing the light half. The
entrance faces east and has a grove where the sun shines
during the equinoxes.
NAME Searsmont Site
TYPE burial site
REGION Maine
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A stone carving in the Celtic style depicts a
European and may be that of a druid. The head is now on
display at the Sturbridge Museum in Massachusetts.
NAME Cannon Stone
TYPE dolmen
REGION Massachusetts - Lynn
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The capstone of this dolmen weighs about 40
tons.
NAME Concord Megalith
TYPE subterranean chamber
REGION Massachusetts - Concord
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The construction of the chamber makes use of
natural shape of the earth.
NAME Gay Head Dolmen
TYPE dolmen
REGION Massachusetts - Martha's Vineyard
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen has an eroded ogham inscription.
NAME Upton Chamber
TYPE megalithic chamber
REGION Massachusetts
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A corbelled roof was built into the upper
chamber.
NAME Westport
TYPE dolmen
REGION Massachusetts - Westport
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A small but well-preserved dolmen.
NAME Lake Lujenda
TYPE dolmen
REGION Minnesota - Lake Lujenda
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A massive egg-shaped rock was used as a capstone
for this dolmen.
NAME Cane Springs
TYPE pictographs
REGION Nevada - Clark County
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site contains pictographs of weaving tools
along with Gaelic words.
NAME Cane Springs site CL-4
TYPE pictographs
REGION Nevada - Clark County
MAP REF 0
REMARKS At this University of California site there is a
pictograph which show figures playing a game with a ball,
sticks and a score-board.
NAME East Walker River site Ly-1
TYPE Pictographs
REGION Nevada
MAP REF 0
REMARKS At the University of California site there are
two pictographs which have been deciphered as figures
occupied in the sport of Hurling the Caber.
NAME Keyhole Caynon
TYPE pictographs
REGION Nevada
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A pictograph which uses the image of a bighorn
sheep to spell the name of a Celtic goddess.
NAME Lost City
TYPE pictographs
REGION Nevada (southern)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are numerous pictographs that refer to
weaving and the spinning of wool intermixed with Gaelic
words and symbols.
NAME Stillwater Range Dancers
TYPE pictographs
REGION Nevada
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has two boulders with a dancer on each.
The dancer on one boulder is carring deer antlers above his
head. The dancer on the other boulder has more female
attributes.
NAME Valley of Fire
TYPE pictographs
REGION Nevada
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are pictographs of weaving equipment and
Gaelic words.
NAME White Pine County Wh-13
TYPE Pictograph
REGION Nevada (eastern)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The site has a pictograph of a lyre and Ogham
writing spelling Mabon.
NAME Amoskeag site
TYPE funerary urn
REGION New Hampshire - Amoskeag
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Bell shaped funerary urns similar to those used
by the Urnfield culture of Portugal were excavated.
NAME Bartlett
TYPE dolmen
REGION New Hampshire - Bartlett
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This dolmen suggests a link with the megalith
builders of Europe.
NAME Jefferson Men-an-tol
TYPE stone (fertility)
REGION New Hampshire
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The holey stone is similar to the one near
Penzance in Cornwall, England but this one has no male
phallus stones to accompany it.
NAME Mystery Hill
TYPE calendar / standing stones / burial chamber
REGION New Hampshire - North Salem
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stone circle had 5 markers and a central
point in the circle. One stone marks the meridian line and
the other four mark the equinoxes and the solstices. Also
on the site is a megalithic chamber with massive orthostats
at its entrance and interior walls built of drystone.
NAME El Morro National Monument
TYPE ogham inscriptions
REGION New Mexico - Grants, state highway 53
MAP REF 0
REMARKS A half-mile (0.8 km) from the entrance there are
rock faces with ogham inscriptions.
NAME North Salem
TYPE dolmen
REGION New York - North Salem
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen has a 90 ton capstone and so far is
the largest dolmen found in North America.
NAME Owasco Burial Site
TYPE funerary urns
REGION New York
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The funerary urns are of the style used by the
Urnfield culture of Spain in BC 800.
NAME Holliston Mills
TYPE burial site
REGION Tennessee (eastern)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Skeletons from the grave conformed to the head
shape of Europeans and were dated by the Carbon-14 method
with C-13 correction to about BC 3rd century.
NAME Snapp's Bridge
TYPE burial site
REGION Tennessee (eastern)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Artifacts have been found at the site with ogham
inscriptions using Celtic and Basque words. The site has
been tentatively dated to BC 1st millennium according to a
study of its phraseology.
NAME Vermont Halberd Dolmen
TYPE dolmen
REGION Vermont
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen has a halberd and a rapier carved
into one of the stones.
NAME White River
TYPE subterranean chamber
REGION Vermont - White River
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The construction and use of subterranean
chambers was common in Celtic areas.
NAME Woodstock Megalith
TYPE chamber / pictograph / Ogham
REGION Vermont - South Woodstock
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The chamber was built above-ground in a
rectangular format with massive lintels and was covered
with earth to form a mound or hill.
NAME Grave Creek Tumulus
TYPE tumulus
REGION West Virginia - Moundsville
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The mound contains two graves each 12 x 7 ft
(3.5x2 m), at different depths. The bottom one was on a
north/south axis and contained two skeletons, and the other
was on an east/west axis and contained one skeleton and a
stone tablet inscribed in Iberian script. Two more tablets
have been found in the area.
WALES
NAME Arthur's Quoit (Arthur's Table)
TYPE dolmen / fortress
REGION Anglesey - near Benlech, north of Menai Bridge
REMARKS The dolmen is situated within the walls of a
Celtic fortress and is thought to be Arthur's round table.
NAME Barclodiad y Gawres
TYPE Neolithic passage grave
REGION Anglesey - near Rhosneigr
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The restored grave has a corbelled dome and side
compartments off the main chamber. Abstract patterns
engraved on some of the stones suggest links with Ireland,
where such symbols are more common. Finds from the grave
include a long pin made from bone.
NAME Bryn Celli Ddu
TYPE cairn
REGION Anglesey - by Llanddaniel Fab
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The partially reconstructed tomb is an
impressive example of its type. The 27 ft (8 m) passage is
aligned NE/SW and leads to a small chamber which contains a
carved standing stone. Another carved stone was found
outside the tomb covering a pit. The surrounding ditch
dates from an earlier (late Neolithic) period when a henge
existed on the site. A human ear-bone was found in the
center of a pile of ashes.
NAME Caer-y-Twr
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Anglesey - west of Holyhead
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This 17 acre (7 ha) fort sits on the highest
point of Anglesey, perched on the northwest corner of the
island overlooking the Irish Sea. The natural defences of
the craggy mountaintop were supplemented by massive
drystone walls, allowing only one entrance at the northeast
corner. The fort is said to have been built by
Cassubellaunos.
NAME Din Lligwy
TYPE Iron Age fortress
REGION Anglesey - near Llanalgo
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress is in good condition with remains
of circle huts and a double-sided rubble-filled wall. The
ruins of rectangular huts date from later Roman occupation.
NAME Ffynnon Eilian
TYPE well (cursing)
REGION Anglesey - west of Porth yr Ychain
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The curse is activated by sticking a pin into a
piece of wood and throwing it into the well. The curse
will remain in effect as long as the wood and pin remain
afloat.
NAME Gorsedd Gwywm
TYPE cairn / fogou
REGION Anglesey - Holy Island, near Trefignath farm
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fogou and the cairn are on private property,
so ask first before setting out to explore.
NAME Llyn Cerrig Bach
TYPE sacrificial lake
REGION Anglesey - near Llanfair-yn-neubwll across from
Holy Island
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Many finds dating from BC 2nd-AD 1st century
were discovered at this site, including weapons, iron slave
chains, horse and chariot trappings, cauldrons, a war
trumpet fragment and spears with handles of ash. The
sacrifices were "killed" by bending or breaking, then
thrown from the cliff. At the time of the deposit, the
water level of the lake was deeper. Today the site is more
of a swamp marked by a plaque and the artifacts can be
viewed at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff.
NAME Mon (Mona)
TYPE sacred island
REGION Anglesey
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Mon (mountain) was the heart of the greatest
religious center of the Celtic druids. In AD 61 the Romans
invaded the sacred island and slaughtered men, women and
children in an attempt to destroy the morale of the Celtic
people.
NAME St Seriol's Well
TYPE sacred well
REGION Anglesey - Penmon, east of Menai Bridge
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The holy well is enclosed in a well-house next
to an old monastic cell.
NAME Ty Mawr
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age settlement
REGION Anglesey - west of Holyhead
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The settlement is below the Caer-y-Twr hillfort
and has been occupied since the early Bronze Age. This was
the center of for the Celtic druids until they were
slaughtered by the Roman invaders. The settlement has
clusters of hut circles, some still with their stone
benches, basin and traces of fogous.
NAME Arthur's Table
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / stone
REGION Clwyd - Carn Fadryn, west of Pwllheli
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Some people believe that Arthur's Table is
connected with the coronation stone in Westminster Abbey.
NAME Bryn Euryn
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Clwyd - south of Llys Euryn, Colwyn Bay
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are only traces of the old fortress left.
NAME Caer Drewyn
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Clwyd - near Corwen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS On the top of the bald hill are the remains of a
large circular fort with a diameter of 0.5 mi (800 m). The
12 ft (4 m) thick walls enclose remains of hut circles.
NAME Cefn Caves
TYPE caves
REGION Clwyd - SW of St Asaph
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Bones of extinct animals have been found in
these caves. The path to the caves leads from the Elwy
River and on a hot day it might be advisable to get a drink
from Ffynnon Fair before starting the climb.
NAME Ffynnon Beuno
TYPE well
REGION Clwyd - SE of St Asaph at Tremeirchion
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The very ancient well is at the south end of the
village of Tremeirchion.
NAME Ffynnon Fair
TYPE well
REGION Clwyd - west of St Asaph
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well is located below the caves of Cefn in a
field beside the Elwy River. It is favored by lovers of
all ages.
NAME Ffynnon Gwenfrewi (St Winifred's Well)
TYPE sacred well
REGION Clwyd - Holywell, north west of Chester
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The spring is now covered by a chapel and mining
has nearly destroyed the water pressure, but the goddess is
still alive. The waters known for their curative
properties remain at a constant 50Ί F (10Ί C).
NAME Foel Fenlli
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / spring
REGION Clwyd - near Ruthin
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The double-rampart hillfort contains several hut
circles as well as a spring.
NAME Fort Dinorben
TYPE promontory fort
REGION Clwyd - SE of Abergele, near St George
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress is located in a wooded area above
the village and has been excavated. The roadways leading
into the fortress were metal-covered. Excavations have
shown that the Celts of this area used a single-piece steel
wheel rim which was heated, placed over the wooden wheel,
then cooled by water to give it a tight fit.
Other interesting artifacts include a segment of a
lyre, bronze and iron fittings, spindle whorls and red deer
antler tools.
NAME Maen Achwynfan
TYPE wheel cross
REGION Clwyd - near Whitford, NW of Holywell
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This pre-Christian wheel cross is in a field
near Whitford.
NAME Pen-y-Pigin / Glyndwr's Seat
TYPE cairn / standing stone
REGION Clwyd - the Berwyn mountains SE of Corwen
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The cairn with standing stone is on the summit
of the mountain.
NAME Pool Park Hospital
TYPE standing stone / Ogham
REGION Clwyd - near Ruthin
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The standing stone has ogham and Latin
inscriptions.
NAME Bedd Taliesin
TYPE burial site
REGION Dyfed - east of Aberystwyth near Pensarn chapel
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Taliesin's grave is a stone trough marked with a
standing stone.
NAME Brawdy
TYPE standing stones / holy wells / ogham stones /
settlement
REGION Dyfed - NW of Haverford West near Solva
MAP REF 0
REMARKS An airbase sits next to standing stones, ogham
stones, holy wells and the remains of an Iron Age
farmstead. Look for the lane to Brawdy Church.
NAME Broad Haven / Little Haven
TYPE standing stones / Iron Age fortress / forest
REGION Dyfed - Broad Haven, west of Haverford West
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The area is rich in prehistoric remains,
including standing stones, a fort situated on an eroding
promontory at Broad Haven, 2 forts on either side of the
river at Little Haven, and an ancient stand of oak and
hazel trees at Borough Head which is typical of the Iron
Age forests.
NAME Cantrer Gwaelod
TYPE drowned forest
REGION Dyfed
MAP REF 0
REMARKS At low tides especially after a southwesterly
gale, remains of an ancient oak forest become visible as
stumps or debris covered in bluish clay. The flood which
caused the sinking of the forest is dated to BC 5500.
The best places to see the remains are: St Brides Bay,
at Newgale; Abermawr, SW of Fishguard near Abercastle;
Whitesands Bay, at St Davids Head; Carmarthen Bay, at
Amroth NE of Tenby; and at Newport.
NAME Carn Alw
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dyfed - Glynmaer
MAP REF 0
REMARKS In the Preseli hills near Mirianog Fawr is a
well-defended small fort with dragon's teeth at the
entrance-ways, guard chambers, a labyrinthine entranceway
and the remains of 6 circle huts. Celtic field systems are
visible nearby.
NAME Carn Fawr (Great Cairn)
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / spring
REGION Dyfed - west of Fishguard near Trefasser
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Carn Fawr is a four-rampart fort situated high
on a hill with sea views extending to Ireland. Usgubor
Gaer is a small enclosure nearby which may have been used
to protect cattle. Downhill from the fort is a spring.
NAME Carn Ingli
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dyfed - south of Newport
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-defended hillfort sits on an impressive
site with its own spring. Ramparts, stone walls, dragon's
teeth and hut circles are still visible. Nearby are some
Celtic fields, dating from BC 300, also protected with
stone walls. The easiest approach to the site leads past a
Bronze Age settlement (Carn Edward) and cairn (Carn Briw).
NAME Carreg Sampson (Long House Cromlech)
TYPE dolmen
REGION Dyfed - SW of Fishguard, near Abercastle
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The impressive dolmen dates from around BC 3000.
NAME Castell Coch
TYPE Iron Age promontory forts
REGION Dyfed - near Abercastle, SW of Fishguard
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are two dramatic promontory forts on the
coast near Abercastle. The western one is near the dolmen
Carreg Sampson. The nearby village of Trevine used to be
renowned for its holy wells.
NAME Castell Heinif
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort / well
REGION Dyfed - St Justinian, west of St David's
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The promontory fort is close to a spring, now
next to the Saint's Chapel. The waters of the holy well
were once renowned for the treatment of epilepsy.
NAME Castell Henllys
TYPE hillfort (reconstruction)
REGION Dyfed - SW of Cardigan, near Eglwyswrw
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort contains reconstructions of
circular wooden houses with thatched roofs. The fort is
protected by double ramparts and by natural cliffs.
NAME Clegyr Boia
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / settlement (Neolithic)
REGION Dyfed - outside St David's
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fort is constructed on the site of an
extinct volcano whose steep sides combine with the single
rampart and a tunnel entrance to provide a strong defense.
Excavations have revealed that the site was previously
occupied by Neolithic cattle herders, whose dwellings have
been dated to BC 3800.
NAME Elegug
TYPE Iron Age promontory forts
REGION Dyfed - SW of Pembroke at the coast
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Reaching the forts involves crossing the
property of a rifle range. If rifle practice is not on,
both forts can be visited for their views and still-visible
ramparts.
NAME Foel Drygarn (Bald Hill with Three Cairns)
TYPE hillfort
REGION Dyfed - Preseli Hills, near Croesfihangel
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The large hillfort is oval-shaped with double
ramparts, faint traces of over 200 hut circles, and 3
Bronze Age cairns on the summit. The nearby quarry of Carn
Meini was the source of the bluestones used in Stonehenge
(England) and the Carn Alw fortress is only a mile from
Foel Drygarn.
NAME Gaer Fawr
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Dyfed - Carn Goch south of Llangadog
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The 25 acre (10 ha) hillfort has a massive stone
wall with flagstones lining the five entrances. Traces of
a hut circle lie outside the rampart.
NAME Llanllawer
TYPE cursing/blessing well / stone circle / ley line
REGION Dyfed - SE of Fishguard
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well-house is built in the form of a pyramid
and is beside a ley line that runs through a stone circle.
NAME Mathry
TYPE Iron Age hillfort / ogham stone
REGION Dyfed - SW of Fishguard
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are still remnants of the hillfort, and at
the nearby churchyard there is a standing stone with an
ogham inscription.
NAME Nevern churchyard
TYPE sacred spring / standing stones / Sheila na Gig
/ yew tree
REGION Dyfed - Nevern at the church
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are two ogham stones on the site: one
standing, the other built into the sill of the Christian
church. The site also has a sculpture of a Sheila na Gig
and the Great Cross.
In the yard is a sacred yew tree which according to
local lore will continue bleeding until a Celt is crowned
Prince of Wales. The church was built on a site held
sacred by the local tribe who venerated the goddess at the
spring.
NAME Nine Wells / St Nons
TYPE sacred wells
REGION Dyfed - east of St Davids
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Traditionally, the sick were taken first to 9
Wells and then to St Nons for their cure. The locals still
visit the well at St Nons for its healing powers. Standing
stones and dolmens are also in the vicinity.
NAME Parc y Meirw
TYPE calendar / standing stones
REGION Dyfed - east of Fishguard
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The stones are arranged in a sight line which
pinpoints a mountain across the channel in Ireland. It is
said that whenever the moon appears to slide down the right
slope of the mountain, the observer can accurately predict
a solar or lunar eclipse for the following day.
NAME Penpleiddiau
TYPE promontory fort
REGION Dyfed - near St Davids
REMARKS This promontory fort has 4 ramparts and an
impressive location.
NAME Pentre Ifan Cromlech
TYPE dolmen
REGION Dyfed - SE of Newport
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen is very impressive and has a capstone
of 16 x 8 x 2.5 ft (5x2.5x1 m) sitting on three 8 ft (2.5 m)
upright stones creating a large chamber.
NAME Solva
TYPE fortress
REGION Dyfed - NW of Haverford West
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The strategic port on St Brides Bay was guarded
by 5 forts: 2 at Gribin with stone ramparts, and the others
along the coast at Dinas Fach, Dinas Fawr and Llanunwas.
The area also has holy wells (such as St Teilo's) and
Neolithic remains (St Elvis) which were partly destroyed by
Christians.
NAME St Davids Head
TYPE Iron Age promontory fort
REGION Dyfed - NW of St David's
MAP REF 0
REMARKS This is the largest of many promontory forts in
the area. In the vicinity are visible remains of ancient
Celtic field systems, as well as a dolmen and cairn from
Neolithic times.
NAME St Govans Chapel
TYPE sacred well
REGION Dyfed - south of Pembroke past Bosherton
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The waters of the springs were long renowned for
their healing power, and the red clay around them was used
for healing poultices. The magic extends to the steps
leading to the site, which defy accurate counting.
NAME Llanmelin
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Gwent - Caerwent, north of Caldicot
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The hillfort encompasses a 3 acre (1.2 ha) site
enclosed by massive ramparts with well-defined entrances.
Rectangular enclosures next to the fort were probably for
keeping cattle. The fort was the center for the Silures
tribe who put up such a valiant defence under their war
leader Caractacos against the Roman invaders. Piles of
sling-stones were found at the site, as well as a smelting
crucible and some bronze jewellery.
NAME Cader Idris (The Chair or Keep of Idris)
TYPE observatory
REGION Gwynedd - south of Dolgellau in Sowdonia
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The summit of the mountain is called Pen-y-gader
and is 2927 ft (892 m) high. The couch of Idris is on the
summit and during ancient times he used it as an
observatory to study the heavens. Legend says that anyone
sleeping the night on the couch will wake up dead, raving
mad, or inspired with supernatural genius.
At the base of the hill by a lake, the 3 boulders "Tri
Greienyn" are said to be 3 grains of sand shaken from the
shoe of the giant before he ascended to his chair.
NAME Caer Seiont
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Gwynedd - in Caernarfon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The town of Caernarfron derived its name from
the fort which overlooks the area. Caer-yn-arfon means the
"fort across from Mona" (Anglesey) which was an important
druidic center of learning before being destroyed by the
Romans.
Today Caernarfon continues its Celtic influence as the
center for nationalist Wales. Although there are only
scanty remains, the fort's strategic position is still
tangible.
NAME Conwy Cromlech
TYPE dolmen
REGION Gwynedd - near Conwy by the Conwy river
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The Conwy Cromlech is built from 5 upright
stones and a capstone measuring 12x8x4 ft (3.5x2.5x1 m).
The dolmen is located across the river from the Tyddyn
Cynal Farm.
NAME Dinas Emrys
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Gwynedd - north of Beddgelert
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The triple ramparts of the fort enclose hut
circles and a well. The fortress is traditionally linked
with Myrddin and Vortigern. Finds from the site included
bronze horse trappings.
NAME Dyffryn Cromlech
TYPE dolmen
REGION Gwynedd - in Dyffryn N of Barmouth
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The dolmen is in good condition and can be
viewed by following the public footpath from the local
primary school.
NAME Ffynnon Arian (Silver Well)
TYPE well
REGION Gwynedd - Mynytho, near Pwllheli
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The ancient wishing well may have been related
to the moon goddess Arianrod.
NAME Ffynnon Fair
TYPE well
REGION Gwynedd - Braich-y-Pwll (Land's End of Wales)
MAP REF 0
REMARKS When the tide is out, a fresh-water spring
bubbling out of the ground may be seen when looking toward
the point at Parwyd.
NAME Ffynnon Fyw (Well of Life)
TYPE well
REGION Gwynedd - in Mynytho near Pwllheli
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Claims are made that the healing well will give
sight to the blind and health to the sick.
NAME Gronw's Stone
TYPE standing stone
REGION Gwynedd - Ardudwy, by the river Cynvael
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Local lore says that this is the stone that
Gronw stood behind when Llew through his spear at him. The
hole was made when the spear passed through the stone and
killed the coward Gronw.
NAME Pen-y-Dinas
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Gwynedd - Great Orme's Head near Llandudno
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The summit of the hill has the remains of walls
and hut circles.
NAME Tre'r Ceiri (Town of the Giants)
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Gwynedd - Llanaelhaearn
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress has a single rampart and 3 drystone
walls sometimes up to 15 ft (5 m) in thickness. There are
5 openings in the defences which enclose hut circles with
diameters up to 15 ft (5 m), 2 springs and a Bronze Age
cairn. A beaded torc and a gilt brooch were among the
artifacts uncovered at the site. There is a public
footpath starting on Nefyn road which leads to the
impressive hillfort known for its wind and fog.
NAME Llyn Fawr
TYPE sacrificial lake
REGION Mid Glamorgan - near Rhigos
MAP REF 0
REMARKS Excavation of the site revealed a hoard of
sacrificed objects dating from BC 1000-500. It has been
suggested that they may have been part of a treasure of
captured goods. The artifacts include Hallstatt bronze
cauldrons, bronze horse and chariot fittings, bronze
socketed sickles and axes, a socketed iron sickle and spear
head, iron sword fragments, round arm shields and a razor.
The lake is now a reservoir and most of the artifacts are
under the control of the National Museum of Wales in
Cardiff.
NAME Breiddin
TYPE Bronze Age / Iron Age hillfort
REGION Powys - NE of Welshpool near Criggion
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The fortress is large in size and strategically
located on a promontory overlooking the Severn River. The
double ramparts are of stone with a well-defined entrance.
Jewelry of bronze and iron as well as horse trappings and
ceramics have been found at the site.
NAME Crug (mound)
TYPE Iron Age hillfort
REGION Powys - just NW of Brecon
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The double-rampart fortress has good views and
is easily accessible from Brecon.
NAME Arthur's Stone
TYPE dolmen
REGION West Glamorgan - near Reynoldston, SW of Swansea
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The capstone of the dolmen measures 14 x 8 x 6 ft
(4x2.5x2 m) and sits on several smaller stones.
YUGOSLAVIA
NAME Groznjan
TYPE hot springs
REGION Istria
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The sulphur waters are good for rheumatism and
back problems.
NAME Dobova
TYPE burial site
REGION Lower Krka - near Brezice
MAP REF 0
REMARKS There are some excavated Celtic graves in the
vicinity of the village of Dobova.
NAME Kocevski Rog
TYPE forest (wildlife)
REGION Northern Slovenia near Ljubljana
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The forest contains stags, boars, bears and
wildcats.
NAME Ruzica church
TYPE curative spring
REGION Serbia
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The well is much visited for its magical waters.
NAME Novo Mesto
TYPE Iron Age settlement
REGION Slovenia - SE of Ljubljana
MAP REF 0
REMARKS The town has been a Celtic center since BC 1000.
A group of the tumuli undergoing excavation were arranged
in a ring with one in the center. Finds include richly
decorated bronze artifacts from Hallstatt and La Tθne time
periods.