County Meath
Occasionally referred to as the Spiritual Capital of Ireland, Meath is Dublin's immediate neighbour to the north and has long been one of Ireland's leading farming counties. Settlers were attracted to Meath from as early as 8000 BC thanks to the rich soil laid down during the Ice Age. Working their way steadily up the banks of the River Boyne these settlers transformed the landscape from forest to farmland.
The roots of Irish legend and folklore are entrenched in mystical domain of Tara in county Meath. The Hill of Tara, an ancient settlement steeped in mythological history, has always occupied an extra special place in the realm of Irish lore. The pagan significance of Tara is thought to have derived from its association with the goddess Maeve (or Medbh) and the mythical powers of the priests and druids who reigned over parts of the country. By the second and third century, Tara became the seat of some of the most powerful rulers in Ireland. From here, the royal court held their ceremonial residence and presided over their kingdom.
It was on the Hill of Tara that the Ard Rí, or high king was crowned, hence its title as the 'Seat of the High Kings of Ireland'. The Tuatha de Dannan are said to have been the first race to settle in Tara. This tribe of fierce warriors and sorcerers were believed to have brought the Lia Fail, or Destiny Stone with them. Legend has it that this mythical stone could determine the identity of the true high king by letting out three loud roars once touched by the man fated to be ruler.
The Mound of the Hostages is one of the most notable bumps on the settlement - a burial ground from around 2000BC. This small Stone Age passage grave contains some carved stonework, but unfortunately is closed to the public. Other monuments of note include the Banquet Hall and Grainne's Enclosure. The Banquet Hall is a long, rectangular area, thought to have been the ceremonial entrance to the Hill on which all the major roads of Ancient Ireland converged. The Sloping Trenches and Grainne's Enclosure are three circular earthworks on the north west of the Hill of Tara. Grainne was the daughter of King Cormac, once betrothed to Fionn McCumhaill.
To fully appreciate your visit to the hill be sure to stop off at the Visitor Centre. The centre features a twenty minute audio-visual presentation and during the summer months operates a guided tour designed to bring the mysticism of the ancient relics to life.
