Some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in Ireland was discovered by archaeologists working in Boora bog, near Kilcormac they discovered evidence of a lake shore settlement dating from the Mesolithic period (7,000 BC)

Previously the earliest site was thought to be that of Mount Sandel in Co. Down and it was assumed that these early people, didn't penetrate far inland where the country would have been covered by dense forest. This find proved that humans had inhabited parts of Ireland for up to 9,000 years.

The site was excavated by Dr Michael Ryan, and appears to have been located on a lakeshore. These early people lived in small circular, hide covered huts constructed from saplings inserted into the ground and bent over to form a dome, evidence was found of a central hearth in the huts, in these were found burnt flakes of bone coming from immature pig, wildfowl and eel.