The Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age. A passage tomb was built there during that time. However, the site became truly significant during the Iron Age (600 BC to 400 AD) and the Early Christian Period as the seat of the high kings of Ireland. Tara was considered the center of Irish culture and all the old Irish roads led to this critical site.
In the fifth century, St. Patrick himself went to the Hill of Tara. As Christianity achieved dominance over the following centuries, Tara’s importance became symbolic. The halls and palaces of Tara no longer exist, and only earthworks remain.
However, there are still remarkable sights to be seen on the Hill of Tara. For example, there is the Lia Fáil, which is the great coronation stone and one of the four legendary treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The Lia Fáil stands proudly on the monument known as An Forradh.
Guided tours of the site can help visitors understand the regal history of this exceptional place and imagine the former splendour of Tara.
The Boyne Valley is renowned for its rich heritage. Visitors can explore the majestic Anglo-Norman castle at Trim or the 5,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne. They can also roam through the monastic site at Kells in the footsteps of St. Colmcille or visit historic Drogheda, the Gateway to the Boyne Valley.
