The Significance of Tlachtga in Celtic Meath
Situated a mere twelve miles from Tara, the ancient ceremonial site known as Tlachtga, or the Hill of Ward, served as a pivotal center of Celtic religious worship over two millennia ago. Despite its historical importance, Tlachtga often lingers in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, Tara, and has not received the recognition it rightfully deserves.
Tlachtga was the heart of the Great Fire Festival, which heralded the arrival of winter. The ceremonial practices and rituals performed by pre-Christian Irish peoples communicated a vital message: the powers of darkness could be overcome and light and life would once again reign supreme. It was here that the sun god of the Celts was celebrated at the conclusion of the year.
Numerous traditions that have their roots in Tlachtga persist today, though often in altered forms. To fully comprehend the ritualistic and political significance of Tara, one must appreciate the role Tlachtga played in the spiritual life of the pre-Christian Irish.
Introduction
This book represents the culmination of four years of research on the history, archaeology, and mythology surrounding Tlachtga. Regrettably, this site has received little attention, both physically and academically. Interest was briefly ignited in the late nineteenth century when Eugene O’Growney, a professor at Maynooth College, published an article on Tlachtga. However, his untimely death in 1899 resulted in the extinguishment of efforts to explore the site further, causing it to fade into obscurity once more as Tara dominated the historical narrative.
In collaboration with the Athboy Heritage Forum, I have endeavored to elevate Tlachtga’s status as an important historical site. This book aims to instigate discussion that may lead to archaeological inquiries into Tlachtga. Though the available sources are sparse and scattered, I believe I have woven together a coherent narrative about this location. My primary goal is to ignite debate, as the richness of literary, historical, and mythological sources should be complemented by archaeological research to uncover the complete significance of Tlachtga.
Exploring Celtic Meath
The landscapes of Meath hold evidence of extensive human habitation stretching back to ancient times. The oldest various archaeological structures lie in the remarkable passage tomb cemetery at the Bend of the Boyne, near Slane, in northeastern Meath. Dating back to around 3200 BC, this site features more than forty monuments, with Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth being the most famous.
These passage graves consist of burial chambers constructed from large upright stones, accessible via a passage that leads into the interior. Each chamber is covered with a mound of loose stones and earth, secured by massive stone kerbs.
Newgrange spans approximately a hectare. During a 1963 archaeological investigation, a remarkable feature was uncovered that illustrated the sophistication of its builders. Prior to this discovery, the site, found in 1699, was believed to be merely a burial chamber. Professor O’Kelly discovered an opening above the entrance that allows sunlight to enter the chamber simultaneously with the Winter Solstice. This aspect carries significant meaning, leading to various interpretations about the site’s purpose.
While it is evident that it served as a burial site—evidenced by the remains of cremated individuals—this finding challenges prior assumptions, suggesting it may have held broader religious significance. The dual purpose of Newgrange as both a mausoleum and temple reinforces that it was more than a simple grave, as it likely served as a sacred space for worship during the solstice, exalted in its awe-inspiring nature.
Ceremonies and Beliefs
An essential celebration at Tlachtga involved the lighting of the winter fires during Samhain, a significant festival in that era. Another hypothesis posits that the chamber functioned as a detailed calendar since the Winter Solstice marks the sun’s most southerly rise before shifting directions. This celestial change heralds the shortest day of the year and signifies a gradual return to lengthening days, presaging spring. The central chamber serves as an ideal venue to track the sun’s movements. The early rays of sunlight can illuminate the chamber grounds during this pivotal time, capturing the attention of the observant society whose lives depended on understanding the seasons. The potential for viewing the transition of the sun’s path reinforces a deep-rooted belief in the cycle of life and an afterlife directed by the sun god.
If one travels approximately forty kilometers west, they encounter another significant passage grave cemetery located at Loughcrew. Found atop Slieve na Callaigh, this site hosts an impressive selection of structures tied closely to the builders of Newgrange. It is thought that the construction of these burial sites occurred around eight centuries after their Newgrange counterparts, representing a continuity in ritual practices amongst these Neolithic peoples who migrated from Brittany.
Recent studies have presented astronomical alignments in cairn structures at Loughcrew that echo those at Newgrange, hinting at the same advanced cultural practices. The meticulous construction efforts signal a deep-rooted connection between the cycles of sun and burial traditions, indicating a strong belief in an afterlife typically centered around the worship of deities.
The Royal Significance of Tara
Shifting our attention southward across the River Boyne, we reach Tara, perhaps the most renowned ritual site in Ireland. Situated halfway between Navan and Dunshaughlin, Tara offers panoramic views of the surrounding Meath Plain. Its elevation and strategic positioning likely contributed to its selection as a site of ritual and political significance. As the principal site of rituals in Ireland, Tara is steeped in mythological and historical lore associated with high kings and legendary heroes.
Tara has recently undergone extensive archaeological research, revealing a wealth of monuments, notably the “Mound of the Hostages,” which dates back to around 3000 BC. This site is integral to our understanding of Tara’s long-standing importance, as it produced evidence of burials tied deeply to the region’s historical narrative, seamlessly linking ancient traditions to more modern times. Other notable structures include Rath Laoghaire, where the High King is believed to rest, and the oval fortress of Rath na Rig.
The significance of Tara resonates deeply in Irish literature, embodying the concept of Irishness itself. While the site’s prominence may have waned after a sixth-century curse associated with a Christian saint, its symbolic presence remains anchored in the collective memory of the Irish people. Notably, Tara was the site where the insurgents of 1798 gathered, a demonstration of its enduring relevance.
Conclusion
Taking a broader view within the context of Celtic Meath, we recognize the equally significant site of Tailteann, where the great Harvest Festival of Lughnasa occurred. Today, this area is home to modest earthworks, but it was once central to celebrations honoring the god Lugh, showcasing a rich tradition that persisted over the centuries.
Lastly, Uisneach deserves mention as a crucial site outside modern Meath’s borders, once viewed as the very center of Ireland and embodying the spirit of ancient worship through the celebration of Beltainne. Cattle were driven through fire at this site, further highlighting the significance of seasonal rituals in pre-Christian society.
This brief overview only grazes the surface of Meath’s rich Celtic landscape. A comprehensive study of Tlachtga cannot be isolated from its broader context within the county, and future exploration may unveil even deeper connections to the past.
