ABOUT TARA
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The Hill of Tara in the Boyne Valley is ceremonial site associated with kingship rituals. From the time of the first Celtic influence until the Norman invasion in the 12th Century, the Hill of Tara was Ireland's political and spiritual capital. The King of Tara represented a very old ideal of sacred kingship in Ireland, ...
The Lia Fáil , meaning Stone of Destiny - or also "Speaking Stone" to account for its oracular legend -) is a stone at the Inauguration Mound on the Hill of Tara. It served as the coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland. It is also known as the Coronation Stone of Tara. In legend, all of the kings of Ireland were crowned on the stone up to c. AD 500.
The Mound of the Hostages, is the oldest visible monument on the Hill of Tara. The mound covers a passage tomb built 5,000 years ago (around 3,000 BC). It was used as a place to bury human remains for more than 1,500 years. The mound lies near the northern edge of a large enclosure called Ráith na Ríg (Fort of the Kings) which was built around 100 BC. The Mound of the Hostages got it name in the medieval period because it was the place where the symbolic exchange of hostages took place.
Tara Open Studio
TARA HOLY WELL
“The Caprach of Cormac is eastward from the Rath of the Kings. It is The Well of the Numbering of the Clans. The Dark Eye, The Healer, The Well of the White Cow..three names to designate it, to make known the Well of Tara”. Dindsenchas Of Tara.
It is one of the six wells of Tara listed in ancient documents. It was later called King Cormac’s Well then St. Patrick’s Well.
How to get to the Hill of Tara The Hill of Tara is 5 km north of Dunshaughlin, just off the R147 (formerly N3, Dublin-Navan road)By car from Dublin: Take the N3/M3 North. To avoid the toll section of the M3: Follow signs for Dunshaughlin, travel North on the R147 through Dunshaughlin, after 3km, follow the signs for Tara. Via M3: Exit the M3 motorway at Junction 7 (signs for An Scrín/Skryne/Baile Eoin/Johnstown), at the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto R147 and follow signs for Tara.
Cycling: The side roads around Tara are great for exploring by bike, though we recommend staying off the busy R147
Public transport: Bus Eireann’s bus 109 will leave you on the main R147 road, about 10 minutes walk from TaraPublic car/coach parking area and toilets close to the site