The Hill of Tara (Temair)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
Good Views / Viewpoint,
Monument - Natural
Ancient Irish mythology tells that 142 kings reigned from this mount in prehistoric times and Temair was renowned as the ‘sacred place of dwelling for the gods’. Legend dictates that Saint Patrick, patron Saint of Ireland, also visited the Hill, and a statue of him still reigns proud at the top.
To make the most of a visit to Temair, head first to the Hill’s visitor center, set inside a disused church, where an audio-visual presentation will fill you in on the area’s majestic heritage. Exploring the landscape, you’ll uncover a host of interesting ancient relics including a number of passage tombs and ceremonial enclosures, Neolithic burial mounds and a sizable temple constructed from over 300 wooden posts. Make sure you don’t miss the ‘Stone of Destiny’, an ancient coronation stone that remains one of Tara’s most famous monuments.
Entry to the site is free but the rough terrain means you’ll need to scramble over ditches and up slippery grass mounds, so don’t forget your hiking boots! Best of all are the views and Tara’s summit offers an expansive panorama of the landscaped surroundings – clamber up the hill at sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic view.
Latest Reviews
Review by MOHINI S, March 2013
Doing what: Celtic Heritage Day Trip from Dublin: Boyne Valley, Hill of Tara and Loughcrew Celtic Tombs
This was a great tour and I am glad that i did it at the last minute.Just loved it.The great celtic crosses were magnificent and the Boyne valley and the Hill of Tara where Irish Kings were crowned for a thousand years were all spellbinding.The ancient tombs from the Bronze age ( three thousand years plus old!) with the strange pyschadelic like encryptions were fascinating.It was really a great trip and well titled as Celtic Heritage Day.It made me feel proud and i am not entirely irish but my husband has some Irish heritage and it rubbed of on to me and I was so proud !
Review by LBSTR, October 2012
Doing what: Celtic Heritage Day Trip from Dublin: Boyne Valley, Hill of Tara and Loughcrew Celtic Tombs
I was pleasantly susprised that the tour was with a mini bus and not herded like cattle like some tour companies. Dave's humor, patience and knowledge was a perfect combination. I would sign up with this tour company again. I think that we had seen a lot of key sites that will leave a lasting impression in me. The Hill of Tara was a very spiritual place and a very important religious site so make sure that you spend time here. Monasterboice was a treat and to see the fine examples of Celtic crosses was phenomenal. Take time to look at the the carvings. Trim Castle was a backdrop of an Oscar winning movie.Drogheda had a very unusual and religious stop that you just can't miss! Just sit back and relax and let the guide take care of the rest. Thanks Dave and kudos to your tour company. Highly recommended!
