Within the Mound of the Hostages, the oldest structure on the Hill of Tara.

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The Hill of Tara is one of Ireland's most famous and mythical ancient sites. This low and not particuarly imposing hill rises to 500 ft, but offers a majestic view across the Plains of Royal Meath. Tara has always been the central seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and figures frequently in the mythological Cycle of Kings. The Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny, also known as Bod Fergus, is said to be one of the four treasures brought to Ireland by the Tuatha De Dannan. However, like most other ancient sites in Ireland, the early neolithic people arrived here first. Recent archaeological investigations located a large henge type monument circling the entire hilltop. A number of post holes were discovered which may suggest a timber palisade, or a ritual/astronomical structure constructed of posts, like Stonehenge, Woodhenge, and those discovered at Newgrange and Knowth not far to the north east. The Mound of Hostages is one of the oldest sites at Tara. The oldest building at Tara is a small chambered cairn on the summit of the hill which is known as the Mound of the Hostages. The name probably comes from some of the many mythological stories associated with the monument. The Lia Fáil, or Stone of Destiny, which now stands at the centre of a fort called the Forrad, was thought to have stood outside the entrance to the Mound originaly.

The front of the very beautiful Tara (Bettystown) brooch.