It is about 9000 years ago that the first human set foot on the shores of Northern Ireland and it is believed it was in the White Park Bay on the North Antrim Coast. This is where Brian Boyd starts his journey exploring the early settlements and architecture. He follows the trails of archaeological excavations to learn more about the early communities in Ireland, their settlements, patterns of architecture and other aspects of living.

Thanks to archaeological reconstructions combined with visits to known local sites, Brian Boyd explores middle stone age in Northern Ireland as well as the dramatic effect early Christianity had on the local building scene. Conversion from paganism to Christianity seemed relatively peaceful, however, it defined what a typical community set up of the early Christian people would look like. Briand Boyd visits a wide range of heritage sites across the island telling the story of early people and community-forming and tells us a thing or two about the Irish high cross and about structures unique to Ireland, the Irish round towers. Some of the places visited in this episode include Mountsandel, New Grange in Boyne Valley, the Giant’s Ring, Saul Church in Downpatrick, Monasterboice and Devenish in County Fermanagh.

Ulster Television would like to thank

Historic Monuments & Building Branch Department of the Environment N.I.
The Office of Public Works
The National Trust
The Ulster Museum
The Fermanagh County Museum
Stephen Conlin-Navan Fort Reconstruction

Written by Brian Boyd
Produced and Directed by Ruth Johnston
Music Composed by John Anderson
Advisor: Alistair Rowan University College, Dublin
Stills: Kenneth McNally
Graphic Design: Brian Owens
Production Assistant: Sara Bell
Lighting: Maurice Blair
Camera: Sam Christie
Location Sound: Rai Woods
Sound Mixer: Bruce Switzer
Picture Editor: Brian O’Rourke