The first people arrived in Ireland during the Stone age, about 8000-10000 years ago, probably from Scotland.  They were hunter gatherers, constantly on the move in search of food. 

Simple pottery from this time has been found and evidence that the people lived in 'portable' dwellings constructed from sticks and covered with animal skins. They also made boats.

Between 2000 and 5000 years ago, in the late stone age, Ireland had a thriving and growing population.  Hunting for food was being replaced by farming.

Visit the websites below to find out more about life in early times.