The ancient site of Tlachtga, located just twelve miles from the renowned Tara, serves as a pivotal piece of Celtic religious history, albeit overshadowed by its more famous counterpart. Tlachtga was the heart of the Great Fire Festival, marking the arrival of winter, where pre-Christian Irish rituals sought to reassure the community that light and life would triumph over darkness. This site celebrated the Celtic sungod during the winter solstice festivities, asserting its significance in early Irish spiritual practices.
Many customs rooted in Tlachtga continue to be evident today, albeit in altered forms. Understanding the ritualistic and political relevance of Tara is incomplete without recognizing the critical role Tlachtga played in early Irish religion.
Introduction
This publication is the result of four years of investigation into the history, archaeology, and mythology surrounding Tlachtga. Unfortunately, this site has been overlooked both physically and academically. Interest in Tlachtga was briefly sparked in the late 19th century by Eugene O’Growney, a noted cleric who published insights about the site, but his passing in 1899 extinguished much of that enthusiasm, leaving Tlachtga in obscurity.
Collaborative efforts with the Athboy Heritage Forum aim to enhance Tlachtga’s recognition as a site worthy of exploration. While the available sources are limited and dispersed, I hope this book contributes to a clearer understanding and facilitates discussions that might lead to archaeological investigations. Although literary and historical accounts deepen our insights into Celtic Ireland, a robust understanding of Tlachtga will likely require further archaeological studies.
Celtic Meath
The Meath region displays a wealth of evidence indicating rich human activity throughout history. Some of the earliest monuments are found at the impressive passage tomb cemetery at the Bend of the Boyne nearby Slane, dating back to around 3200 BC. This site comprises over forty monuments, with Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth being the most prominent.
Newgrange, an enclosed area of about a hectare, features a burial chamber accessed through a passage. This chamber is entirely covered by an earthen mound, secured by a significant kerb made of large stones.
During an archaeological assessment in 1963, remarkable findings revealed the site’s intricate design, confirming the advanced skills of its builders. Initially thought to be merely a burial site, discoveries by Professor O’Kelly unveiled a narrow opening above the entrance that allowed sunlight to illuminate the chamber at the Winter Solstice, indicating that the site likely served additional purposes beyond burial.
Just like today’s cathedrals, which often house the remains of significant figures yet serve as places of worship, Newgrange may have functioned as both a mausoleum and a sacred space. The radiant sun’s visit during the Winter Solstice highlights a potential belief that the site was dedicated to the sungod rather than solely being a resting place for the deceased. The mystique surrounding Newgrange, attracting awe and reverence, possibly reinforced the site’s place in the minds of its creators, serving as a tribute to deities as much as to honor their dead.
The ceremony to ignite winter fires during Samhain at Tlachtga was an essential tradition, drawing parallels with other interpretations of ancient monuments as calendrical devices.
Further west, roughly forty kilometers away, lies the Loughcrew cemetery atop the Slieve na Callaigh hills. It shares a builder origin with Newgrange, albeit separated by eight centuries. Experts suggest that these monument builders traveled from the Boyne Estuary across Ireland, establishing complex structures while practicing elaborate rituals governing the cycles of nature.
Advancing our exploration of Meath, we arrive at Tara, perhaps the most illustrious of all sites, located fifteen kilometers away in the rolling hills. Rising 155 meters above sea-level, Tara, a key ritual site in Ireland, overlooks the Meath Plain and is deeply embedded in Irish archetypal narratives and heritage.
Noteworthy archaeological endeavors in recent years at Tara have not contradicted its legendary status, as over thirty visible monuments mark its significance. The Mound of the Hostages, a passage tomb from around 3000 BC, and various structures such as Rath Laoghaire, demonstrate rich historical interconnections rooted in the early establishment of kingship in Ireland.
Tara’s importance is further highlighted by various structural remains that have endured, with legends surrounding ecclesiastical synods and royal banquets adding layers to the site’s history. The hill’s vigorous place in Irish culture remains, with connections to significant national events illustrating its enduring influence.
Beyond Tara, travel north-west leads to Tailteann, another influential site, associated with the Lughnasa festival dedicated to Lugh, one of the primary gods of the Celtic pantheon. While the physical remnants today are minimal, historical accounts outline the celebratory activities that once took place.
Finally, we acknowledge Uisneach, situated to the west of Mullingar in Westmeath, which was once viewed as the epicenter of ancient Ireland’s provinces. It hosts multiple earthworks related to significant pre-Christian celebrations. Uisneach’s significance is evident in its rich lineage, closely associated with the cycles of the sun, showcasing the intricate woven fabric of Celtic Meath’s historical landscape.
In summary, the exploration of Meath’s important Celtic landmarks provides context to Tlachtga’s value. Further investigation into its connection with the broader historical tapestry will undeniably contribute to our understanding of ancient Irish civilization.
