hills historical navan

Famous as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the Stone Age, when a passage tomb was constructed. Tara was a political and religious centre in early Christian times and though it declined in importance as Christianity spread in Ireland, the site still retains its air of mysticism.
Today the ruins are sadly deserted, poignant reminders of what once was, but from atop the hill the visitor can still experience some of the magic which fi...

Half-way between Navan and Kells (N3) rises the Hill of Tailte, where the famous annual Tailtean Games and Fair of ancient Ireland were held. Established by King Lugh Lamhfhada (Lugh Long-hand) and named in honour of his step-mother, Tailte (daughter of the King of Spain and wife of Eochaidh, last of the Kings of Firbolgs), the Tailteann celebrations were amongst the great ceremonial occasions of pagan Ireland. Held in ceremonial fashion for the last time in 1168 under Roderick O'Connor, the las...

Approximately 6.43 kms east of Tara lies Skreen, called after the shrine of St. Columcille's relics which were brought to an early Christian monastery here in 875. The holy well is dedicated to the Saint. the present remains of a church and tower date from the 15th century and were ruined in Elizabethan times. The hill provides a fine vantage point to view the Hill of Tara. The word 'Skreen' or 'Skryne' is the equivalent of the English word 'shrine'....