Lough Neagh is the largest lake in the British Isles. It covers an area of 383 km2 being 30 km along its longest axis. From pre-historic times the lake and its rivers influenced the settlements of man in the role of a fishery and communication link with the interior of Ireland. Ireland's first canal, completed in 1787, linked the small but significant coal deposits of Tyrone to Dublin by way of the lough and later the Lagen Canal became an important commercial route to the new city of Belfast. Today, only sand barge transport persists but the lough supports Europe's largest eel fishery and provides commercial salmon, trout and perch catches, besides acting as an important centre for recreational pursuits. Increasingly it has become the major water resource for Northern Ireland supplying much of the demand for the heavily populated Belfast area. Biologically the lough is rich, sustaining enormous invertebrate populations of, for example, chironomids and gammarids alongside the comparatively exotic glacial relict, Mysis relicta. Its bird life makes the lough an area of very special conservation interest as a Ramsar site. The book describes the basic ecology of the lough with particular emphasis on both the interaction of the physical, chemical and biological components and the role of ecology in resource management. Extensive recent researches are set in geological, geographical and historical context and together with palaeolimnological studies of the sediments are used to trace major changes in the ecology of the lough under man's influence, especially in the past 100 years.

Celtic mythology is a rich and intricate diverse world, a captivating realm where deities and humans interact amidst mystical environments and celestial conflicts. Rooted predominantly in the ancient cultures of Ireland and Wales, this mythology serves as a compendium of stories, a cultural and spiritual mirror reflecting the Celtic people's values, traditions, and laws. By delving into the extensive range of Celtic myths, particularly the mythological, Ulster, and Fenian cycles in Ireland and the Mabinogion in Wales, we can uncover the profound influence these myths have had on European literary and cultural development. The primary method of transmitting these stories was oral, posing a significant challenge to studying Celtic myths. The religious perspectives of the scribes, particularly Christian monks, have left a significant imprint on these texts, but they remain crucial for our understanding. Irish literature draws from significant sources such as 'The Book of Invasions' and 'The Book of Leinster,' while Welsh literature relies on an important source known as 'Mabinogion.' Roman historians provide additional external narratives that contribute to understanding the Celts in a wider context of ancient European history. Unravelling these sources requires a nuanced approach to differentiate the authentic pagan elements from the Christian additions. The Celtic pantheon features diverse deities who govern various aspects of existence and the natural realm. In Irish mythology, the Dagda embodies paternal dominion and jurisdiction over the cycles of life and death, whereas Morrigan signifies the supremacy and inevitability of warfare. According to Welsh mythology, Arawn is the sovereign of the Otherworld, and Bran the Blessed is a colossal king with deep ties to the land and its well-being. The Celts' gods frequently engage with humans, often directly intervening in their destinies, highlighting the Celts' perception of the cosmos as a profoundly interconnected domain. The Mythological Cycle in Ireland narrates the tales of ancient deities and their conflicts, including the Tuatha Dé Danann, celestial beings who eventually assimilate into Irish civilisation as the forefathers of the contemporary Irish people after being conquered by the Milesians. The purpose of this cycle is twofold: to document Ireland's legendary history and to assert a divine entitlement to the land and its governance.

This meticulously edited collection present the mythology, religion, history and the legacy of Celts. Contents: Introduction: Earliest References Golden Age of the Celts Alliances with the Greeks The Era of Alexander the Great The Sack of Rome Celtic Place-names in Europe Early Celtic Art Celts and Germans Downfall of the Celtic Empire Unique Historical Position of Ireland The Celtic Character Cæsar's Account Strabo on the Celts Polybius Diodorus Ammianus Marcellinus What Europe Owes to the Celt Religion: The Religion of the Celts The Gods of Gaul and the Continental Celts The Irish Mythological Cycle The Tuatha dé Danann The Gods of the Brythons The Cúchulainn Cycle The Fionn Saga Gods and Men The Cult of the Dead Primitive Nature Worship River and Well Worship Tree and Plant Worship Animal Worship Cosmogony Sacrifice, Prayer, and Divination Tabu Festivals Accessories of Cult The Druids Magic The State of the Dead Rebirth and Transmigration Elysium The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries Myths: Mythic Powers of the Gods Myths of Origins The Irish Invasion Myths The Early Milesian Kings Tales of the Ultonian Cycle Tales of the Ossianic Cycle The Voyage of Maeldūn Myths and Tales of the Cymry The Mabinogion

History’s Mysteries is an absorbing and meticulously researched exploration of the archaeology, history, and mysteries of 35 ancient places worldwide. Haughton’s book takes the reader on an unforgettable journey, from the 8,000-year-old stone circle of Nabta Playa to India’s magical Taj Mahal; from Rhode Island’s controversial Newport Tower to the enigmatic Royston Cave in the UK; from the strange medieval castle-village of Rennes-le-Château to the massive ancient walled city of Great Zimbabwe. Using the latest archaeological evidence, History’s Mysteries explores: The incredible archaeological discoveries at the 11,000 year-old sanctuary of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. The heated debate over the 47-million-year-old ‘Ida Fossil’—could it be the missing link in our evolutionary history? The reality behind controversial ancient artifacts such as the Iron Pillar of Delhi, the Oak Island Treasure, and Egypt’s “Dendera Lamps.” What really happened to the Neanderthals? With 36 photographs and illustrations, this is the perfect reference work for those fascinated by the great mysteries of ancient history.