Hill of Tara & The Boyne Valley

Written by Ben Kesp 

Newgrange Monument - Boyne Valley 

I have recently returned from a short trip to Ireland and had the fortunate experience of visiting the ancient sites of Tara and the Boyne Valley. You can read my previous blog posts on both Tara and the Boyne valley.  

Newgrange - Boyne Valley 

Going back to the Boyne Valley was a great experience and it never fails to amaze that these structures were built over five thousand years ago and I get to follow the path of our ancient ancestors. Newgrange was radiant on the day I visited it, its white quartz exterior gleaming and the sun dancing off its rich green roof and the land shone bright exposing a wonderful country side. Knowth was currently closed, its sister and larger site due to ongoing excavation work. 

The previous day I had set out for the Boyne Valley and ended up coming across Tara instead. I had never been to Tara and was amazed at the sheer size of the complex. It was a day that the sun remained hidden however the rich green landscape did not fail to impress. To really appreciate Tara it should be seen from the air however it is a great experience to walk through its ancient earthen structures and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago as the new High King of Ireland was coming to be inaugurated. Also on the site is the five and half thousand year old Mound of the Hostages along with the Banqueting Hall, Stone of Destiny and Royal Enclosure.

Mound of the Hostages - Hill of Tara 

Stone of Destiny - Hill of Tara 

Well worth a visit to these sites that still radiate energy from an ancient past. I will update you in my next blog post on my experiences at the Hill of the Ward that myth records that the druidess Tlachtga died after giving birth to triplets and the mysterious Cave of the Cats - the entrance to the Other World and home to the Morrígan, the Goddess of War, Death & Rebirth and keeper of the Other World. 

Banqueting Hall - Hill of Tara 

Newgrange Monument - Boyne Valley