Episode 5: Walking the Landscape

In this chapter of The Bog Bodies, our journey takes us beyond the mysteries of Old Croghan Man and Clonycavan Man to stop and consider the landscapes that shaped them – and how we can connect with these places today. Travel writer Fionn Davenport pauses the archaeological trail to ask a quieter question: if these places still hold meaning, how do we approach them with curiosity, care and a sense of wonder? From the royal landscapes of Tara, Rathcroghan and Uisneach to lesser-known hilltops and mounds, this episode explores how a simple short break into Ireland’s ancient terrain can be less about ticking sites off a list and more about slowing down, noticing connections and feeling part of a longer story. Alongside reflection comes practical insight, exploring the realities of visiting today: guided-only access, open hilltops, interpretation centres and the balance between managed and untouched spaces. Sometimes, the places with the simplest settings can offer the deepest encounters. Explore more of Ireland’s ancient past, from the Neolithic to the early Christian era, at https://www.discoverireland.ie/the-discovery-series