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Hill of Tara, Ireland

Located in County Meath, only a short drive from Dublin, the Hill of Tara is one of Ireland's most important monuments. Used as the coronation site of Ireland's kings up until the 12th century, the Hill of Tara has been recognized throughout history as the spiritual "center" of Ireland. The earthworks, standing stones, and tombs here date back thousands of years, and are sure to impress any visitor.

Ancient earthworks

A short multimedia presentation inside the visitors' center (formerly a small church) will give you the history of the Hill accompanied by some interesting digital models and aerial views. After that, it is up to you to explore! The earthworks that make up the forts on the Hill of Tara are some of the most fascinating landscaping you may ever see. Although the best views are probably from the air, you can get a good sense of their shape simply by walking around.

Mound of Hostages

Within the earthworks, be sure to visit the Coronation Stone. Legend has it that if the true king of Ireland stands on this stone, it will roar. Feel free to try your luck. You can also peer inside the Mound of Hostages, one of only two of the monuments that have been excavated. While you can't actually go into the tomb, standing outside the entrance and marveling at the depths beyond is a thought-provoking experience.

Because of its importance to Ireland's ancient peoples, the Hill of Tara has been used in Irish politics for centuries. During the 1798 Rebellion, a battle between the United Irishmen and the British was fought here, ending in defeat for the rebels. A monument now stands to the 400 United Irishmen who died. Later, the Hill of Tara was used by Daniel O'Connell, the 19th century champion of Catholic rights and Irish independence, in one of his most famous peaceful protests. Thus, for anyone with an interest in Irish history, no matter what the time period, the Hill of Tara is a must-see.

Because of its convenient location, the Hill of Tara is a popular destination for bus tours. If you are not on one of these tours, you may want to try to go earlier or later in the day when the site will be less crowded. Besides its own attractions, the Hill of Tara provides some magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The Hill's current residents are a flock of (quite friendly) sheep, meaning you should wear sturdy, washable shoes for your visit to Tara.

The Hill of Tara is open during the summer months from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is 3 euros for adults. The site includes the visitors' center, a gift shop, and a cafe.