Note: I may be many things, but a plagiarist I am not. If the author of the page this text came from will contact me, or if any reader can point me in that direction, I will gladly credit him with the text of the page, as it is copied almost verbatim (with spelling corrections and a word or two changed, plus editorials) and I cannot for the life of me remember where I found the page. My sincere apologies to the original author.

The hill of Tara is actually a low-lying ridge located half way between Navan and Dunshaughlin in Co. Meath, but it commands a stunning view of 40% of Ireland. Sadly, all that remains of the original site is the Dumha na nGiall (Mound of the Hostages) and a stone of destiny where druids still celebrate midsummer. But Tara has a fascinating mythical history which paints a glorious picture of its past:

The greatest structure there was the Mi-Cuarta, the great banqueting hall, which was the Ard-Righ's own dun. There was also the House of a Thousand Soldiers, the ancient poets tell us. Each of the provincial Kings had, on Tara, a house that was set aside for him when he came up to attend the great Parliament. There was a Grianan (sun-house) for the provincial queens, and their attendants. Another was the Star of the Bards--a meeting-house for the poets and the historians, the doctors and judges. This hall, the Mi-Cuarta, wherein at the great triennial Feis, all the kings, and chiefs and nobles, the Ollams or doctors, the Brehons or judges, the Files or poets, and the Seanachies or historians, were seated according to rank. The Feis or fair, was held at Samhain and lasted for three days before and after that day and thus covered the space of a week. It was proceeded by the Aonach or great fair, which was a general assembly of the people. From this and from the following we get an idea of the event's importance.

Of all stories associated with Tara, one of the most renowned is the dramatic account of St. Patrick lighting the Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane, which led to Patrick's confrontation with King Loegaire and the druids of Tara, and the sad and completely unnecessary destruction of this historic center of power. And you wonder why I hate Christians so much? Wars have been started for less. One should have been started over the desctruction of a country's spiritual capital. My trip to Tara this November should prove very enlightening, if I can control my rage. I still hold a grudge against St. Patrick.

Tara was very important indeed to the Irish people as a seat of law and of history. Its importance was such that it was considered the heart of the kingdom. Five great roads radiated out from Tara in ancient times to all parts of the country, and these roads still stand today, and are used daily. The commanding site also gave the people a visual spot on the horizon to look to for guidance and assurance.

Tara was also considered a gateway to the Otherworld and passage tombs dot the surrounding countryside. In another ceremony that took place every Oíche Shamhna, the King and his warriors would gather to protect this world against attacks coming from the Otherworld. The Sidhe (passage tombs or mounds) are also considered by legend to be the home of the Tuatha dé Danann, the Fairy Folk.

Tara remained the capital of Ireland until the sixth century when King Diarmuid broke sanctuary of a local church to attain a prisoner who was then executed. In response, the Abbot of the Church, St. Ruadan of Lorrha, cursed Tara, making the spot "unholy" forever. When the King died c. 565, the seat of the country was moved. It is at about this time that the Stone of Scone was supposedly moved to Dalriada or Scotia Minor. There it became the Palladium of the Scots under Fergus Mor Mac Erc and his descendants.

Important events have continued to take place at Tara over the centuries. In 1798, the rebels of Co. Meath were defeated at Tara. Later in 1843, Daniel O'Connell held a great meeting attended by nearly one million persons where he called for independence from Britain. Although Tara is no longer a political capital, it remains a spiritual and mythical one for Ireland to this day.