HIST & MYTH: Hill of Uisneach - An Ancient and Mystical site

Written by Ben Kesp

Goddess Ériu

Long before the Hill of Tara had become the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Uisneach in Co. Westmeath, had been the centre of power. It is an ancient and mystical place that connected the ancient Irish kingdoms and where the king would ceremoniously marry the Goddess Éiru on his inauguration as the High King of Ireland. 

Ériu was one of the three Danann Queens who set forth to meet with the Milesians who sailed to Ireland from the dead lands (Spain). Each queen asked that the new invaders would name Ireland after them. Ériu was chosen and Ireland was named Erin. Following an inevitable conflict between the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Milesians, all three Danann kings and their queens were killed during the battle of Tailtiu (Co. Meath). The final resting place for the Goddess Ériu is under a colossal thirty tonne stone known as the “Catstone” due to its appearance of a cat watching a mouse. The stone is also referred to as the “Navel of Ireland” or “Umbilicus Hiberniae”. 

The Hill of Uisneach marks the centre of Ireland and it has always played an important part in the political, cultural, religion and mythology of Ireland. The hill itself commands wonderful views of the Irish landscape in all directions facing each of the four provinces. 

Other Irish gods like the Dagda and Lugh are also associated with the hill. Lugh is said to have met his end at Lough Lugh, a hilltop lake and his burial place is also on the hill. The Dagda’s stables were unearthed on the north of the hill which contains two souterrains. Additionally, the hill has many other features including The Royal Palace, St. Patrick’s Bed, Forts, The Ancient Road, Earth Works and Lugh’s Tomb. 

The site at Uisneach boasts numerous archaeological finds and research is constantly ongoing. To walk around the hill, one can imagine what the scene must have been like in ancient times. Imagine the numerous forts and earthen works, including the site of the Royal Palace - it would have been very impressive. Today a peaceful energy rests over the hill and to visit you will be with minor royalty, being in the company of cows, so having the site in its raw state has its advantages. 

For more on this ancient site, check out the Hill of Uisneach.