Post by Ptarmigan on May 8, 2008 5:27:47 GMT
Ulster Scots History & Culture
Cultural affinities between Ulster and the western coasts of Scotland probably extend back to at least 8000BC,, when the hunter-gatherers who were the first inhabitants of the north coast of Ireland, and whose remains have been found at Mount Sandel, Coleraine, arrived across the North Channel, which was even narrower then than its current 12 miles.
Ulster Scots History & Culture
Ulster Scots History & CultureMesolithic (8000 BC - 4500 BC)
During the Pleistocene ice age, Ireland was extensively glaciated.
Ice sheets more than 300 metres thick scoured the landscape, pulverizing rock and bone, and eradicating all evidence of early human settlements.
During the Last Glacial Maximum (c. 16,000 BC), Ireland was an Arctic wasteland, or tundra. The Midland General Glaciation covered about two thirds of the country with a drifting sheet of ice.
It is highly unlikely that there were any humans in the country at this time, though the possibility cannot be discounted entirely.
The earliest evidence of human occupation after the retreat of the ice has been dated to between 8000 and 7000 BC.
Settlements of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers have been found at about half a dozen sites scattered throughout the country, including Mount Sandel in County Londonderry (Coleraine)
It is thought that these settlers first colonised the northeast of the country from Scotland.
History of Ireland
During the Pleistocene ice age, Ireland was extensively glaciated.
Ice sheets more than 300 metres thick scoured the landscape, pulverizing rock and bone, and eradicating all evidence of early human settlements.
During the Last Glacial Maximum (c. 16,000 BC), Ireland was an Arctic wasteland, or tundra. The Midland General Glaciation covered about two thirds of the country with a drifting sheet of ice.
It is highly unlikely that there were any humans in the country at this time, though the possibility cannot be discounted entirely.
The earliest evidence of human occupation after the retreat of the ice has been dated to between 8000 and 7000 BC.
Settlements of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers have been found at about half a dozen sites scattered throughout the country, including Mount Sandel in County Londonderry (Coleraine)
It is thought that these settlers first colonised the northeast of the country from Scotland.
History of IrelandWhitepark Bay was one of the first settlements of man in Ireland and evidence of these Neolithic settlers are continually being exposed on the raised beach and sand dune system.
North Antrim ~ White Park Bay
North Antrim ~ White Park Bay