Ancient cave art suggests first known humans in Ireland walked over from Wales
22 days ago
- Researchers discovered ancient cave art in southwest Ireland dating back at least 15,000 years, making it the earliest evidence of humans in Ireland, predating previous findings by about 5,000 years.
- The first known humans in Ireland likely crossed a 'lost land bridge' between Wales (Pembrokeshire) and Ireland (Rosslare) during the last Ice Age when sea levels were lower.
- The international team, led by Dr. George Nash, used AI and digital mapping to identify 28 potential cave sites in Ireland, of which eight contained rock art including engravings, ochre paintings, and fingertip line sketches.
- The discovery supports the theory that hunter-gatherers from southern England, France, and Spain moved westward over land bridges, eventually settling in Ireland as population pressure pushed them further west and north.
- The team is keeping the exact cave locations secret to prevent vandalism and looting, and they believe more ancient sites await discovery in other parts of Ireland.