An archaeologist says he has discovered an extensive prehistoric farming landscape on the western slopes of Mount Brandon in Co Kerry.
Galway archaeologist Mr Michael Gibbons, who spent 10 years with the Office of Public Works, says the complex of ancient field systems, stone walls and house sites extends for several miles from the north-western slopes of Mount Brandon eastwards towards the town of Dingle.
He says he made the discovery almost three years ago, while leading an archaeological field trip across the mountain, but has remained silent on the find until now.
The earliest known field systems in Europe are the Céide Fields of north Mayo, which have been scientifically dated to about 3500 BC. Mr Gibbons believes the Mount Brandon discovery may provide a similar date.
Mr Gibbons also discovered what he believes to be a 4,000 year old megalithic tomb on the mountainside above Baile Breac.
"This tomb, or house for the dead, probably dates from the Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age which means it's around 4,000 years old and is the first megalithic tomb discovered on Mount Brandon," he said.
More than 450 wedge tombs have been recorded in Ireland. Concentrated mainly in the south-west, the wedge tombs, so-called because of their shape, represent the last phase of megalithic tomb-building here.
They are usually located on high ground or in prominent positions on the landscape.
Twelve wedge tombs have been recorded in the Dingle peninsula. "The setting, for these tomb-builders, was very important. Very dramatic positions overlooking the farmland and probably containing the cremated remains of the ruling elite of the time," Mr Gibbons said.
Mr Gibbons said that while it was difficult to assess immediately, the discovery of the complex may suggest "that people were farming here as early as 5,000 years ago. It is unprecedented in terms of scale, visibility and accessibility and unmatched anywhere in Ireland."
The most visible examples of the ancient field walls are to be seen on the commonage above the village of Baile Breac, on the western slopes of the mountain.
The field system begins above the modern farmed landscape and, according to Mr Gibbons, extends upwards to a height of 2,500 feet on the mountain.
Mount Brandon is one of the great spiritual and pilgrimage centres dating from the early Irish Church. The ancient pilgrim route, known as Cosán na Naomh or the Saints' Road, is still in use and passes through the prehistoric farmlands.
"There is clear evidence here of a high degree of farming activity, indicating better climatic conditions in prehistoric times. It indicates population growth, division of land, division of labour and may indicate private ownership of land at a very early stage."
Mr Gibbons, who is a member of the Heritage Council's Archaeology Committee, said the next step in the discovery process will be a scientific survey of the entire mountain.
"There's a lot of work to be done yet to determine precise dates for this ancient farmland and to see exactly where it fits in the history of agricultural development in Ireland," Mr Gibbons said.