The Dundalk area has been inhabited since at least 3500 BC,
when Neolithic farmers first came to Ireland. A tangible reminder of
their presence can still be seen in the form of the Proleek Dolmen, the
eroded remains of a megalithic tomb located at Ballymascanlon a
few miles to the north of Dundalk. Celtic culture arrived in Ireland
around 500 BC. According to the legendary historical accounts, the group
settled in North