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.
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 The nature and location of its monuments in their landscape context, coupled with the historical references to Cruachain Aí, suggest that Rathcroghan was the site of great seasonal gatherings, 'óenaige', or 'fairs', that would have celebrated the annual cycles of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.
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.
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 The nature and location of its monuments in their landscape context, coupled with the historical references to Cruachain Aí, suggest that Rathcroghan was the site of great seasonal gatherings, 'óenaige', or 'fairs', that would have celebrated the annual cycles of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
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
Rathcroghan Visitors Centre Tulsk, Castlerea, County Roscommon. Tel: +353 (0) 71 963 9268
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
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:26
Sunset: 21:34
Directions
Weather
Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise: 05:26
Sunset: 21:34
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