Location: Meath County Map
Tel. 046 902 5903
Open: mid- May- mid- Sept 10am- 6pm daily (last admission 1 hour before closing)
The Hill of Tara (Irish: Teamhair or Cnoc na Teamhrach), located in County Meath, Ireland, is one of the most significant archaeological, historical, and cultural sites in Ireland. Revered as the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, Tara is a sprawling complex of prehistoric and early medieval monuments set on a low ridge overlooking the lush Boyne Valley. Its importance spans millennia, from its Neolithic origins to its role in early Christian Ireland and its enduring place in Irish mythology and national identity.
The Hill of Tara is situated near the River Boyne,
approximately 12 km southeast of Navan and 40 km north of Dublin, in the
fertile plains of County Meath. Rising to a modest height of about 155
meters (509 feet) above sea level, the hill commands panoramic views
across the surrounding countryside, with visibility extending to the
Wicklow Mountains, Slieve na Calliagh, and, on clear days, parts of
Ulster. This strategic vantage point underscores Tara’s historical role
as a political and ceremonial center.
The site spans roughly 38
hectares (95 acres) and consists of a series of earthworks, mounds,
enclosures, and other monuments spread across a ridge. The landscape is
predominantly grassy, with some wooded areas, and is maintained as an
open archaeological park by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Tara’s
location within the Boyne Valley, near other major sites like Newgrange,
Knowth, and Dowth, places it within a UNESCO World Heritage Site region
renowned for its prehistoric significance.
Tara’s history stretches back over 5,000 years, with evidence of
human activity from the Neolithic period (c. 4000–2500 BCE) through
the Iron Age, early medieval period, and into modern times. While
its association with the High Kings of Ireland is partly legendary,
archaeological evidence confirms Tara as a major ceremonial and
political center.
Neolithic and Bronze Age (c. 4000–700 BCE)
Rath of the Synods: This multivallate (multi-ditched) enclosure,
partially excavated in the 1950s, revealed Neolithic pottery and
Bronze Age burials, indicating early settlement. A Roman-style
timber structure found here suggests later contacts with Roman
Britain (1st–3rd centuries CE).
Mound of the Hostages: A small
passage tomb dating to c. 3200 BCE, this is Tara’s oldest monument.
Excavations in the 1950s uncovered over 200 cremated burials, along
with grave goods like faience beads, bronze daggers, and decorated
pottery, linking Tara to contemporary sites like Newgrange. The
tomb’s entrance aligns with the rising sun on the cross-quarter days
of Imbolc (February 1) and Samhain (November 1), reflecting its
ritual importance.
Rath Gráinne and Sloping Trenches: These
Bronze Age ring-barrows and enclosures, likely used for burials or
ceremonies, indicate continued activity into the early 2nd
millennium BCE.
Iron Age (c. 700 BCE–400 CE)
Forradh
(Royal Seat) and Tech Cormaic (Cormac’s House): These large
ringfort-like enclosures, surrounded by deep ditches, date to the
Iron Age and are associated with royal or ceremonial functions. The
Forradh contains a standing stone, the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny),
believed to have been used in king-making rituals (see below).
Rath na Ríogh (Fort of the Kings): The largest enclosure at Tara,
this oval earthwork (318m x 264m) encircles the Forradh, Tech
Cormaic, and Mound of the Hostages. Its massive bank and ditch
suggest a defensive or symbolic boundary, possibly marking Tara as a
sacred royal precinct.
Banqueting Hall (Teach Miodhchuarta): A
long, rectangular earthwork (230m x 27m) with parallel banks,
traditionally interpreted as a feasting hall, though some
archaeologists suggest it was a ceremonial avenue leading to the
royal enclosures. Geophysical surveys have revealed internal
structures, supporting the feasting hypothesis.
Early
Medieval Period (c. 400–1169 CE)
Tara’s prominence peaked during
the early medieval period, when it was the symbolic and political
heart of Ireland. While no single "High King" ruled all of Ireland
from Tara, it was a key seat for the Uí Néill dynasty, particularly
the Southern Uí Néill, who dominated the midlands. Tara hosted
assemblies (óenach), where kings, nobles, and clerics gathered for
law-making, dispute resolution, and rituals.
Historical
Records: The Annals of Ulster and other texts mention Tara as a
royal site, with kings like Niall of the Nine Hostages (late 4th
century) and Diarmait mac Cerbaill (6th century) linked to it. The
Book of Leinster and Dindshenchas (mythological place-name lore)
describe Tara as the seat of sovereignty.
Christian Influence: By
the 5th century, Tara was transitioning to a Christianized
landscape. St. Patrick is said to have confronted the pagan kings at
Tara in 433 CE, lighting a Paschal fire on the nearby Hill of Slane
to challenge their authority, as recorded in hagiographies like Vita
Tripartita. A small church, built in the 13th century and modified
in the 16th, stands on the site, reflecting Christian continuity.
Decline: Tara’s political importance waned by the 10th century as
regional powers like the O’Briens of Munster and the Uí Néill’s
northern branches shifted focus elsewhere. However, its symbolic
role endured.
Mythological Role
In Irish mythology, Tara
is the sacred center of Ireland, associated with the goddess Medb or
Maeve and the concept of sovereignty. The Lia Fáil, a phallic
standing stone, was believed to roar when touched by the rightful
king, legitimizing his rule. Myths in texts like the Cath Maige
Tuired and Lebor Gabála Érenn depict Tara as a place of divine and
mortal convergence, where kings were wed to the land in a symbolic
marriage (banais ríghi). The five ancient roads (slighe) radiating
from Tara—Slighe Assail, Slighe Midluachra, Slighe Cualann, Slighe
Dala, and Slighe Mór—reinforced its role as Ireland’s hub.
The Hill of Tara comprises over 30 visible monuments, with
geophysical surveys revealing many more beneath the surface. The main
features include:
Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny):
A 1.5m granite
standing stone in the Forradh, traditionally used in inauguration
ceremonies. Its phallic shape and mythological roar symbolize fertility
and divine approval. It was relocated to its current position in 1824 to
mark a mass grave from the 1798 Rebellion.
Debate persists about its
authenticity, as some sources suggest the original Lia Fáil was taken to
Scotland (possibly the Stone of Scone).
Mound of the Hostages:
A Neolithic passage tomb (15m diameter) with a short passage and
chamber, containing cremated remains and grave goods. Its solar
alignment and early date make it a focal point for understanding Tara’s
prehistoric use.
Rath na Ríogh:
The largest enclosure, with a
bank and internal ditch, encompassing key monuments. Its size and
complexity suggest it was a central gathering place.
Forradh and
Tech Cormaic:
Twin enclosures within Rath na Ríogh, likely used for
royal ceremonies. The Forradh’s central position and the Lia Fáil’s
presence underscore its importance.
Banqueting Hall:
A long,
avenue-like structure, possibly a feasting or processional space. Its
alignment with other monuments suggests a planned ceremonial landscape.
Rath of the Synods:
A multi-ditched enclosure with evidence of
Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Roman-period activity. Its name derives from
early 20th-century misinterpretations of its function, as no synods are
historically attested here.
Church and Graveyard:
A
13th-century church, later modified, stands near the site’s eastern
edge. It houses 17th-century memorials and serves as a reminder of
Tara’s Christian phase.
Lesser Monuments:
Ring-barrows (e.g.,
Rath Gráinne, Clóenfherta), ditches, and undated earthworks dot the
site, reflecting continuous use over millennia.
Tara’s significance transcends its archaeological value, embodying
Ireland’s cultural and national identity:
Mythological Center: As
the seat of the High Kings, Tara symbolizes Irish sovereignty and unity,
even if the "High Kingship" was more aspirational than actual. Its role
in myths like the Táin Bó Cúailnge cements its literary legacy.
National Symbol: During the 19th and 20th centuries, Tara became a
rallying point for Irish nationalism. Daniel O’Connell held a “monster
meeting” here in 1843, drawing up to 750,000 people to advocate for
Catholic emancipation. The 1798 Rebellion saw a battle at Tara, with
United Irishmen defeated by British forces.
Modern Cultural Events:
Tara hosts festivals, reenactments, and spiritual gatherings,
particularly around equinoxes and cross-quarter days, reflecting its
enduring ritual significance.
Tara’s preservation and accessibility are managed by the OPW, with
the site open to the public year-round. However, it has faced
challenges:
M3 Motorway Controversy (2000s): Plans to build the
M3 motorway through the Tara-Skryne Valley sparked protests from
archaeologists, environmentalists, and cultural groups. Critics argued
the road threatened undiscovered monuments in Tara’s wider landscape.
Despite opposition, the motorway was completed in 2010, with mitigation
measures like geophysical surveys and excavations. The controversy
highlighted tensions between development and heritage preservation.
Conservation: Tara’s monuments are vulnerable to erosion and visitor
footfall. The OPW restricts access to certain areas (e.g., the Mound of
the Hostages’ interior) to protect them, and grazing sheep help maintain
the grassland.
Spiritual Use: Modern pagan and New Age groups use
Tara for rituals, sometimes clashing with archaeological preservation
efforts. Unauthorized digging by treasure hunters has also occurred.
The Hill of Tara is a free, open-air site with a visitor center
housed in the 19th-century former Protestant church of St. Patrick’s.
Key features for visitors include:
Visitor Center: Offers an
audiovisual presentation, guided tours (available April–October), and
exhibits on Tara’s history. Admission is €5 for adults, with discounts
for students, seniors, and families (2025 rates).
Guided Tours:
Lasting about 45 minutes, tours cover major monuments and provide
historical context. Self-guided exploration is also popular, with
signposts and a free map available.
Access: The site is a 10-minute
drive from Navan or 45 minutes from Dublin via the M3. Public transport
is limited, with buses to Navan followed by a taxi or 5 km walk. Parking
is available near the entrance.
Amenities: A coffee shop (Maggie’s
Café) and gift shop at the entrance sell local crafts and books. Toilets
are available, but there are no on-site accommodations; nearby Navan and
Dunshaughlin offer hotels and B&Bs.
Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, as the
terrain is uneven and can be muddy. Bring layers for Ireland’s
changeable weather. Photography is permitted, but drones require OPW
approval.
The site’s open layout allows visitors to wander freely,
taking in the monuments and sweeping views. Sunset visits are
particularly atmospheric, though the site closes at dusk.
Recent geophysical surveys, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s, have
transformed understanding of Tara’s subsurface features:
1997
Survey: Revealed a massive, circular “henge-like” structure (170m
diameter) beneath Rath na Ríogh, possibly a ritual enclosure.
2000s
Excavations: Conducted ahead of the M3 motorway, these uncovered Iron
Age enclosures, burials, and artifacts in the Tara-Skryne Valley,
confirming the site’s wider landscape importance.
Ongoing Work: The
Discovery Programme and universities continue to study Tara
non-invasively, using lidar and magnetometry to map hidden structures
without disturbing the site.
Notable finds include Roman pottery,
glass, and coins in the Rath of the Synods, suggesting trade or cultural
exchange with Roman Britain, though Ireland was never part of the Roman
Empire.