Home
Susan's Top Ten
Landscapes
Sacred Places
History/Castles
Culture/Tradition
Museums/Galleries
Parks/Gardens
About Me
My Dublin
Galway Girl
Travel Tips
Free iPhone Apps
Things to do
Where to Stay
Budget Beds
Food/Drink
Irish Weather
St Patricks Day
Susans Irish Blog
Susans Gallery
Free Ebook
Contact
 Irish Blessing

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

 

The Hill of Tara

Tara the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland is constantly revealing more of its secrets. A vast archaeological site it is being investigated using non intrusive geophysical surveys which have revealed amongst others a huge wooden henge much bigger then Stonehenge measuring some 170 metres in diameter. This monument would have been similar in size to Croke Park and had a huge impact on a skyline already visible for miles. It enclosed the Rath of the Synods, the mound of the hostages and several standing stones including the Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny an ancient coronation stone which was believed to roar three times when the true king of Ireland touched it.....

Mound of the hostages

All that is visible in Tara today, is a series of grassy mounds, so the visitor may find it difficult to comprehend the important of this ancient and sacred site, but you will feel it. The sheer scale and the uninterrupted views over the surrounding several counties being the first indication of the strategic positioning of this ancient monument believed to date back to 2500bc. There is an audio visual representation in a former church on the site which will help to explain the history and mythology. Or else ask the nice people in the book and coffee shops outside who know more about it then anyone else and are always keen to talk to enthusiasts. It may take a leap of faith to conjure up the big picture and it is certainly not a site for the sceptics or the unimaginative but terribly rewarding for anyone with an inkling of Celtic soul.....

10 Other things to do and see near Tara....

1 Bellinter House stay at this lovely old country house hotel, and be treated like a high king yourself, its the last word in comfort and relaxation.

2 Newgrange predating the pyramids this 5000 year old megalithic structure is precised aligned to the winter soltice

3 Battle of the Boyne interpretative centre on the actual battlefield site where 35,000 soldiers were killed in 1610.

4 Slane village, check out the four large houses opposite each other at the crossroads, originally belonged to four sisters.

5 Slane Castle peep over the green gates to see the site of the legendry open air rock concerts run by Lord Henry Mountcharles.

6 Cross the bridge below the town, park into the right where you can enjoy a walk or a picnic on the banks of the river Boyne.

7 Or climb the hill of Slane where the first pascal fire was lit by St Patrick.

8 Mellifont abbey 12th century Cistercian abbey with octagonal lavabo, retrace the footsteps of 800 years as you cross the threshold stone.

9 Monasterboice See the 17ft tall high cross of Muirdeach with its intricate carvings.

10 Causey FarmFordstown, Navan. Fun model farm with loads of different events including giant bubble blowing and bog hopping.

For more information on the Hill of Tara please click here

To return to the St Patricks Day Festival page click here

To download free St Patricks Day- iPhone app click here




 

Like us on Facebook

Hidden Ireland Country House Accomodation

Buy this book online

Testimonials
"You are some find, my friend"
Carrie Feinstein, NYC.

"Nice work Susan, keep it up"
Francis Brennan, The Park Hotel, Kenmare.

"Great content Susan, glad to have you on our team"
Niall O'Dowd IrishCentral.com

Book Tickets Online

Website of the Week"from gorgeous beaches and lonely churches to tiny islands and ancient ruins....Irish Independent 2010

KILDARE VILLAGE

Invest in a designer wardrobe at Kildare Village, just one of Value Retail’s designer outlets, where you can shop a range of top fashion brands at discount prices.

MEN'S DESIGNER CLOTHES

Shop men’s discount clothing at Kildare Village, where you can build your wardrobe around designer brands such as Superdry, Calvin Klein Jeans and Furla.

CHILDREN'S
CLOTHES

Kit your little ones out in discount designer kids’ clothes at Kildare Village, where you can shop brands such as All Saints, Hackett and The North Face.

WOMEN

Update your wardrobe with this season’s hottest looks at Kildare Village, where you can invest in top name pieces, from Coast dresses to Levi jeans, at discount prices.

BRANDS

Stay ahead of the fashion pack at Kildare Village, where you can build your wardrobe around pieces from designer brands such as Reiss, Anya Hindmarch and Jaeger at discount prices.

Load up a

gift card and let that fashion fan choose their own gift.

Glasnevin Museum

Car Hire Ireland

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park "If you have only time to visit one attraction in Ireland this is it" Susan Byron

Book a Medieval Banquet online

Shannon Heritage Entertainment