Wherever you go in Ireland, there are historical religious monuments (not all of them churches though). In front of the Hill of Tara, a chapel dedicated to the national saint St Patrick greets you. I think I got a nice shot with the sun shining in the background, what do you think?
The Hill of Tara itself was the seat of the High King of Ireland (such as Brian Boru as a famous example). It's a Neolithic complex, but also Roman artifacts were found here. The Celtic Samhain festival (always on the 1st of November) was celebrated here ... it later merged with All Saints' Day into the modern Halloween.
The complex including a burial mound, you will find this short passage and former tomb open to look into (but unlike Newgrange, it's very small and you can't go inside). Judging by the modern plastic candle, some people still venerate this place.
Take the challenge to climb the hill if you can! You have to be careful because the ground is slippery ... the guy to the right had his problems, but I did it (see the middle of the photo!)
On the hilltop, you see the Stone of Destiny, a ritual stone that resembles a phallus form ... Pagan festivals invoked the powers of fertility around harvest season and for spring. The tour guide told us that some women still hug the stone hoping for fertility. Also, A gravestone commemorates the fallen Irish soldiers from 1798 when the British attacked them on the hill ... Brits again!
From the hilltop, you have a fantastic view over the countryside ... also, we were lucky to have a sunny day in the rainy Ireland!
PS. The hill was devastated by British Israelists who hoped to find the Ark of the Covenant ... they hoped in vain.
My next post will be on Dublin! Stay tuned!
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