By Before visiting Ireland I knew that I wanted to visit the Hill of Tara. Everyone has places that are on their must see list and this was mine. I love mythology and Tara is one of those places where myth and history meet. The Tuatha de Danaan are said to have come to Ireland in a mist, they fought the Firblogs to become the rulers at Teamhair, or as it is now know, the Hill of Tara. Later Christianity mingled with Irish myth and the once great Tuatha de Danaan, men that were nearly gods, became the Sidhe, the little folk who were force underground to their magical halls.
Tara is not a particularly tall hill but it is the tallest in the area and it provides a magical view of all the lands around for miles. The day we visited was cool, windy, and overcast. The long grasses rippled in the breeze and the corvids croaked in the trees. The Mound of the Hostages is an ancient burial mounding which the remains of nearly 200 people were found and inside are equally ancient carvings. On the top of the crest of the hill sits the Stone of Destiny, the Lia Fail, that was said to have been brought to Ireland by the Tuatha de Danaan. Legend says that when the true king of Ireland lays his hand upon the stone it will roar.
I absolutely loved visiting the Hill of Tara but I feel like the full scope of it is best understood by looking at it from above. This gives you the opportunity to understand the full scope of this site as these neolithic earthen monuments are massive. Walking over them can be a bit dangerous on the ankles and knees as the only paths are social trails. The carpark nearest Tara does cost a couple of Euros but visiting the site itself is free.
I would go back to Tara in a heartbeat. It is aa simple place of beautiful. It would be the perfect place to enjoy a cup of hot tea and a picnic surrounded by a location that means something different to everyone that visits. Have you ever been to Tara? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments! Save travels and leave no trace.
Thank you KW Photography for allowing me to use your wonderful photos!
INSTAGRAM│FACEBOOK│TWITTER│YOUTUBE │PATREON
If you like the banner check out this design and others at Canva!
McGee Travel Tales 