Rathcroghan Royal Complex


Rathcroghan Royal Complex

Location: Tulsk, Co. Roscommon

Classification: Ancient Complex

Rating:


Rathcroghan features prominently in Irish mythology, particularly as the seat of Queen Medb of Connacht, a key character in the Táin Bó Cúailnge. The site today extends over 6 square kilometres and encompasses over 240 archaeological sites. Contained within this are 60 protected national monuments, ranging from natural limestone caves to ancient burial mounds and ringforts, ritual sites, linear earthworks and medieval field systems. The best way to visit and learn about the Rathcroghan Royal Complex is through the Rathcroghan Visitors Centre in the village of Tulsk.

Description

Rathcroghan features prominently in Irish mythology, particularly as the seat of Queen Medb of Connacht, a key character in the Táin Bó Cúailnge. The site today extends over 6 square kilometres and encompasses over 240 archaeological sites. Contained within this are 60 protected national monuments, ranging from natural limestone caves to ancient burial mounds and ringforts, ritual sites, linear earthworks and medieval field systems. The best way to visit and learn about the Rathcroghan Royal Complex is through the Rathcroghan Visitors Centre in the village of Tulsk.

History

Rathcroghan possesses evidence of settlement, burial and ritual activity from the Neolithic Period through to the late Medieval. The nature and location of its monuments in their landscape context, coupled with the historical references to Cruachain Aí, suggest that Rathcroghan was the site of great seasonal gatherings, 'óenaige', or 'fairs', that would have celebrated the annual cycles of sowing and harvesting, birth and death. The landscape is heavily synonymous with sacral kingship, and is seen as the symbol capital of the fifth of Connacht.

Folklore

A vast cast of characters are found at Rathcroghan, responsible for the great episodes of the Ulster Cycle. Medb, the Morrigan, Fedelm, Nera and Fráech among others are found on the landscape, and these are accompanied by giant wild boars, ferocious nocturnal cats and the great Finnbennach.

View all Monuments within this Complex

View all Monuments within this Complex

Gallery

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Accessibility Rating: Easy

Guided tours of the complex can be arranged through the Rathcroghan Visitors Centre Tulsk, Castlerea, County Roscommon. Tel: +353 (0) 71 963 9268. Visit www.rathcroghan.ie for more details


Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Easy

Guided tours of the complex can be arranged through the Rathcroghan Visitors Centre Tulsk, Castlerea, County Roscommon. Tel: +353 (0) 71 963 9268. Visit www.rathcroghan.ie for more details


Facilities

Rathcroghan Visitors Centre Tulsk, Castlerea, County Roscommon. Tel: +353 (0) 71 963 9268

Map


Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 07:47

Sunset: 16:46


Directions

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Weather

Weathersq

Sunrise/Sunset


Sunrise: 07:47

Sunset: 16:46


Users should note that the Monumental Ireland application and website are information guides only and do not act as an invitation to enter any of the properties or sites listed. No responsibility is accepted by the creators of the Monumental Ireland application for any loss, injury or inconveniences sustained as a result of using it.