Ireland's Ancient Royal Capitals

Written by Ben Kesp

You do not have to travel very far in Ireland to stumble across ancient sites from various time periods in history. Ireland is dotted with these old structures since the last ice age from the Mesolithic Period continuing through to the Neolithic, Bronze, Iron and Medieval ages. Thousands of sites lay unexcavated or undiscovered, however what is common between them, is the recurring use that was made of the sites throughout the millennia. Old Ireland had been comprised of different kingdoms ruled by various kings.  In early Irish literature, the Historical Cycle, or the Cycle of the Kings, overlaps the Ulster and Fenian cycle covering the period from 431 B.C. to the 12^th century, and it explores the kings of Ireland, ending with King Brian Ború, High King of Ireland.

With so many kings there needed to be a central focus point for them to rule.  Royal families held various different levels of importance possibly based on their popularity, wealth, influence, military capacity etc. The major kings based themselves around sites where they could hold assemblies, over see athletic games and new inaugurations.  There were five main provinces (kingdoms) and each was seen to have contained a “Royal Site” for the ruling king. 

Image: English History Authors Blog

Provinces and the royal sites: 

• Munster: Cashel (Caisel) 
• Ulster: Navan Fort (Emain Macha), associated with Queen Macha 
• Leinster: Dún Ailinne
• Connaught: Rathcroghan (Cruiachain), present day Co. Roscommon is associated with Queen Meave. 
• Meath: Hill of Tara (Teamhair), the seat of the High Kings of Ireland 

However there are many other places today associated with the royal sites, some more prominent than others. Tailtiu (Teltown) is an example of another royal site, where ancient games were held in honour of Tailtiu, daughter of the King of Spain who married Eochaid Mac Eire, the last Firbolg king of Ireland and she became the foster mother to the Sun/Storm God Lugh. Tlachgta (Hill of the Ward) is another location in honour of the powerful druidess Tlachgta, who died giving birth to triplets on the hill.  Fires were lit to honour her and the tradition has since been renewed each Samhain.  

The sites consist of many great archaeological features like earthen works, standing stones, ring barrows, inauguration chairs, sacred trees, churches, places of worship, stone basins, etc. I have been to many of the sites and the grandeur in scale is impressive but also to transfer the mind’s eye back to the time when they were in use must have been a spectacular scene. They had multiple uses, teeming with life and living in harmony with nature.

The royal capitals provide us with excellent accounts of what life was like for an ancient people and culture, their beliefs and practices.  The sites also pose many unanswered questions - questions that allow us to continue studying in hope to learn more of our ancestors.  The ancient capitals were once great power bases for rule within Ireland, a show of strength, a place for games, worship and most importantly, sacred places for ritual marriage of the newly inaugurated king to the goddess of the lands.