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Hill of Tara
Hill of Tara
(authors collection)
Long before the Hill of Tara became the seat of the Ard Rí, or High King, of Ireland it was used as burial and ceremonial site. The Mound of the Hostages and the Lia Fail are relics of this use.
When the Hill of Tara became the seat of the Ard Rí a ring fort was built with respect for their predecessors. The largest earth wall enclosed the Mound of the Hostages and the Lia Fail. Inside this Royal Enclosure are the earth works from other structures visible. One of these structures, Cormac's House, derived its name from one of the most famous High Kings of Ireland, Cormac Mac Airt.
Approximately 142 High Kings reigned from this site, which was also known as a sacred place of dwelling for the gods and the connection between the normal world and the under world. Of all places Saint Patrick aimed at the Hill of Tara to convert the pagan king and his court by challenging him with a Easter Fire on the nearby Hill of Slane.
Beside the Mould of the Hostages there are no real structures left anymore. The remaining earthworks however are still impressive and the view from the hill top make it likely that this must be the entry to the under world.
According to the locals there is a fairy tree on the slopes of the Hill of Tara. For a small offering your wish can come true! We are still awaiting. Beside this offer access to the site is fee.
For some reason a complete idiot proposed to construct a highway straight through this national monument.
Mound of the Hostages
The Mound of the Hostages, as far as we can tell there is nobody who knows why it is called like that, is built around 2500 BC and was heavily used for storing human cremated remains. Not less than 200 individual remains were found inside the tomb. Near the entrance of the tomb is a decorated stone with engravings of what seems to be celestial bodies.
Lia Fail
Originally the Lia Fail stood closer to the mound, but is replaced in 1824. Both the royal and spiritual powers of the Hill of Tara are present in this artefact. According to the legends it was brought to Ireland by the Tuatha de Danaan and it is said that the stone, when touched by the rightful King of Tara, will growl. Some authors like to create some confusion around the Lia Fail and the Stone of Destiny, by stating that the Lia Fail is the Stone of Destiny. The Stone of Destiny however is well described and the description does not match the Lia Fail at all.