Tlachta

About this place

The Hill of Ward, or Tlachtga (Irish: Tlachtgha or Tlachta), is a hill and ancient monument in County Meath, Ireland. It is between Athboy (to the west) and Ráth Chairn (to the east). The hill is topped by a large enclosure of four concentric earthen rings. Tlachtga is mentioned in Irish mythology, and later folklore holds that it was a site where druids held sacrificial bonfires at Samhain. Archaeology has shown that Tlachtga dates to the Bronze Age, and was a site of ritual gatherings associated with feasting and intense burning until the late Iron Age. Later, high kings of Ireland held assemblies there. Since the late 1990s, Celtic neopagans have held yearly Samhain gatherings on the hill. The site is a protected National Monument.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Tlachta is located in County Meath, roughly 66 km (1h drive) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 991 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Old Rathmore Church (2.2 km away).