Hill of Tara Lecture Series - Wednesdays in July 2010

Lecture Series 2010 at the Hill of Tara Visitors Centre

In the Summer of 1210, King John of England visited Ireland.

Wednesday July 7th @ 8pm
Europe c 1210: Kings, Popes and Heretics
by Margaret Murphy NUIM

WednesdayJuly 14th @ 8pm
Ireland c 1210
by John Bradley NUIM

Wednesday July 21st @ 8pm
Meath c 1210
by Gillian Kenny UCD

Wednesday July 28th @ 8pm
Tara c 1210: ‘a soil gnawed by ploughs'
by Michael Potterton, Editor, Four Courts Press

Hill of Tara Visitor Centre

Tara Aerial
The Tara Visitors Centre located in the former Church on the Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara, located in County Meath, Ireland, holds immense significance as a sacred and historical site in Irish folklore, mythology, and archaeology.

The Hill of Tara has been a central focal point in Irish history for millennia, serving as the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. It is steeped in mythology, particularly associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, ancient supernatural beings in Irish folklore. Tara was believed to be the inauguration site of the High Kings, where rituals and ceremonies were conducted to mark their ascension to power.

The Mound of the Hostages

This Neolithic passage tomb dates back to approximately 3,000 BCE, making it the oldest structure on the Hill of Tara. It is contemporary with passages tombs at the bend of the Boyne, namely Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.

The Lia Fáil

The Lia Fáil also known as the Stone of Destiny is located on the Inauguration Mound (also known as the Forrad), the Lia Fáil is a standing stone believed to have magical properties. According to legend, the stone would roar when the rightful king touched it, affirming his legitimacy to rule.

Rath of the Synods

This circular earthwork enclosure is named as a meeting place for early Christian synods and assemblies during the medieval period however the monument is much older. It consists of two concentric banks and ditches, suggesting its significance as a ceremonial site.

Teach Chormaic

Teach Chormaic also known as Cormac's House is traditionally associated with Cormac mac Airt, a legendary High King of Ireland,

Ráith na Ríogh

Ráith na Ríogh also known as the Royal Enclosure is a large circular earthen bank and ditch, it is believed to have been the political and ceremonial heart of Tara during its peak as the seat of the High Kings. It contains several earthworks and structures, including the Mound of the Hostages and the Forrad.

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Boyne Valley Tours
Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now