Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara is where the ancient High Kings of Ireland ruled from. These two stones served as an entry point to the Hill. Legend says that if a false king attempted to walk onto Tara, the stones would come together and block his passage. There is also a carving on the taller stone of what may be a fertility god.

Five ancient roads uncovered in Ireland all lead to the Hill of Tara. Tara was the center of both political and spiritual power in Ireland. Some believe that Tara may have been the capital of Atlantis, and that Ireland is indeed the lost kingdom.

A passage tomb known as the Mound of Hostages sits on the Hill. It is the only major structure left. The rest of the structures on the Hill of Tara were wooden and have long since disappeared.

The Lia Fail stands upon the Hill of Tara and has been used to crown the High Kings of Ireland. Legend says that the new king had to embrace the stone upon his coronation. If he was the true king, the stone would roar with joy. If he was not the true king, the stone would throw him off the Hill. The Lia Fail was not always in its present location. It was moved to its present location to commemorate the deaths of rebels who died on the Hill in the 1798 rebellion. There is also some debate about the authenticity of the Lia Fail. It is argued that the stone on the Hill of Tara may not be the real one. It is believed that the real stone was moved to Scotland and then to Westminster Abbey. Others say the real stone is lost and both existing stones are fake.