Céide Fields

Helping visitors to reconnect to a lost landscape and way of life

Deep beneath a North Mayo bog lies the millennia-old origins of a way of life that has continued in Ireland for over 5,000 years.

A chance discovery in the 1930s began the process of unearthing remarkable evidence of ancient settlers their beliefs and practises, and a vast expanse of walled fields – the oldest known on earth – in which they raised what were then strange and exotic animals.

To celebrate this internationally significant archaeological wonder we put the people of the past and present centre stage. From the Neolithic farming families who made this land their home to the remarkable individuals that continue to find and explore what lies beneath ground.

Exploring the knowns and unknowns

An academic steering committee – supported by the National Monuments Service – helped us craft the story of Céide Fields to present theoretical detail as well as the ‘knowns and unknowns’ of its past.

The new interpretation experience we created draws on academic insights and deploys an array of techniques to ensure experts and visitors alike feel the exhibition is for them.

We worked with a specialist production studio to develop a dramatic and immersive 360º audio visual experience within an enclosed theatre space to introduce visitors to the core concepts of the journey ahead of them.

From past to present

While the immersive ground floor experience brings the visitor closer to an ancient way of life, on the first floor they can discover ‘how we know, what we know’ and crucially, who we have to thank.

Through the eyes of a multi-generational archaeological team driven by a passion for discovery, visitors can understand their aims, motivations,  techniques and achievements. Only through the work of this determined group of people will Céide Fields continue to reveal its secrets.

Delivering a deeply immersive experience

Tandem designed and procured all components of the €1.5m exhibition including artefact and replica displays, illustrations, AV interventions and physical interactives.

We produced sketches and CAD drawings of each space and worked with the architect team to ensure our vision was compatible with the Céide Fields visitor centre’s unique pyramid-shaped building.

We directed the procurement of all specialist interpretive works and oversaw the stringent management of costs throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that the design and installation of the interpretation was thoroughly co-ordinated with the architect-led design team and main contractor.

Today’s visitors can reconnect with a breathtaking lost landscape, placing themselves, their families, their own culture and identity centre stage at the Céide Fields to experience the world’s largest and oldest prehistoric enclosed landscape.