Hill of Tara
Facts and practical information
The Hill of Tara, located in the heart of the Boyne Valley in Ireland, is an ancient prehistoric site steeped in myth and history. Once considered the political and spiritual center of Celtic Ireland, it served as the seat of the High Kings until the 6th century. The complex is a sprawling collection of various archaeological features, including ancient burial mounds, standing stones, and earthworks that date back over 5,000 years.
The most prominent features at Tara are the two linked enclosures known as the Fort of the Kings and Cormac's House. Within these enclosures lie the Mound of the Hostages, a Neolithic passage tomb that predates the Egyptian pyramids, and the Stone of Destiny, which is said to roar when touched by the rightful king of Ireland.
The Hill of Tara is not just significant for its historical and archaeological importance but also for its cultural and spiritual value. It is imbued with legends and is an emblem of Irish identity. The site has been a place of worship and ceremony since ancient times, with the Druids believed to have held rituals there.
Meath