Título: Gaelic Ireland
Seção: Transport
Background: Gaelic Ireland (Irish: Eire Ghaidhealach) was the Gaelic political and social order, and associated culture, that existed in Ireland from the prehistoric era until the early 17th century. Before the Norman invasion of 1169, Gaelic Ireland comprised the whole island. Thereafter, it comprised that part of the country not under foreign dominion at a given time. For most of its history, Gaelic Ireland was a "patchwork" hierarchy of territories ruled by a hierarchy of kings or chiefs, who were elected through tanistry.

Conteúdo: For most of the Gaelic period, dwellings and farm buildings were circular with conical thatched roofs (see roundhouse). Square and rectangle-shaped buildings gradually became more common, and by the 14th or 15th century they had replaced round buildings completely. In some areas, buildings were made mostly of stone. In others, they were built of timber, wattle and daub, or a mix of materials. Most ancient and early medieval stone buildings were of dry stone construction. Some buildings would have had glass windows. Among the wealthy, it was common for women to have their own 'apartment' called a grianan (anglicized "greenan") in the sunniest part of the homestead.  The dwellings of freemen and their families were often surrounded by a circular rampart called a "ringfort". There are two main kinds of ringfort. The rath is an earthen ringfort, averaging 30m diameter, with a dry outside ditch. The cathair or caiseal is a stone ringfort. The ringfort would typically have enclosed the family home, small farm buildings or workshops, and animal pens. Most date to the period 500-1000 CE and there is evidence of large-scale ringfort desertion at the end of the first millennium. The remains of between 30,000 and 40,000 lasted into the 19th century to be mapped by Ordnance Survey Ireland. Another kind of native dwelling was the crannog, which were roundhouses built on artificial islands in lakes.  There were very few nucleated settlements in Gaelic areas. However, after the 5th century 

user: what can you tell me about the transport?

assistant: For most of the Gaelic period, dwellings and farm buildings were circular with conical thatched roofs (see roundhouse).

user: and what kind of transport did they use?

assistant:   Horses were one of the main means of long-distance transport.

user: did they use a special kind of horse or equipment?

assistant: Although horseshoes and reins were used, the Gaelic Irish did not use saddles, stirrups or spurs.

user: how did they get on and off the horse without a saddle?

assistant: Every man was trained to spring from the ground on to the back of his horse (an ech-leim or "steed-leap")

user: did they have chariots or wagons as well?

assistant: Two-wheeled and four-wheeled chariots (singular carbad) were used in Ireland from ancient times, both in private life and in war.

user: what were the chariots made of?

assistant: They were big enough for two people, made of wickerwork and wood, and often had decorated hoods.

user: did they have different kinds of chariots for different people?

assistant: War chariots furnished with scythes and spikes, like those of the ancient Gauls and Britons, are mentioned in literature.

user: what kind of roads did they have?

assistant: Gaelic Ireland was well furnished with roads and bridges.