Hill of Tara Lecture Series - Wednesdays in July 2012

Customs, Curses & Calamities

12th Annual Tara Lecture Series
Hill of Tara Visitor Centre
Wednesdays in July at 8.00pm.

July 4th

'There is no Curse, they say, as bad as a Widow's Curse'
– The Widow's Curse in Irish Folklore and History
by Ian O Loinsigh, UCD Folklore Dept

July 18th

'The World outside Us'
Expressions of Folk Custom and Belief in the Irish Tradition
by Jonny Dillon, UCD Folklore Dept

July 25th

The End of the World was Nigh! Fearing an Apocalypse in AD1000
by Professor Tadhg O'Keeffe, UCD School of Archaeology

'The End is Nigh-Or is it?' Should you worry about 'Armageddon'
on December 21st 2012?
by Terry Moseley, Irish Astronomical Association

Come Early as Seats are Limited!

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.

Interview with Michael Slavin on the Hill of Tara

Michael Slavin author of The Book of Tara.

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

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