Hill of Uisneach
Location: Kellybrook, Co. Westmeath
Classification: Ancient Complex
Rating:
The Hill of Uisneach is one of the 'Royal Sites of Ancient Ireland' that have been shortlisted for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a set of monuments and earthworks spread over two square kilometres. On and around the hill are the remains of a conjoined ringfort, circular enclosures, barrows, cairns, holy wells and ancient roads. These monuments and relics range in date from the Neolithic, early Bronze Age to the medieval period, indicating human activity spanning some five millennia. Although it stands just 182m-596ft above sea level, the summit of the Hill of Uisneach commands extensive panoramic views over Ireland's central plain. On a clear day, no less than twenty counties are visible on the horizon. According to tradition, the Hill of Uisneach is regarded as the geographical and spiritual centre of Ireland.
The origins of Uisneach lie far beyond recorded history with surviving monuments and relics dating from the Neolithic (3700-2500 BC) and Bronze Ages (2500-500 BC) which confirm its ceremonial status in pre-historic times. In early written sources, the area in which Uisneach is located, is recorded as 'Mide', meaning 'middle'. Originally a name for the hill itself (i.e. Uisneach Midi, the 'temple' or 'hearth' at the centre), over time the territory expanded to become the medieval Kingdom of Mide which gives its name to the modern counties of Meath & Westmeath. In the first millennium AD, Uisneach became the chief palace and assembly site of the Clann Cholmain kings, who ruled over the Kingdom of Mide with some even becoming High Kings of Ireland. The last of these was Máel Sechnaill Mór, who became High King in 980. His reign lasted until 999, when Brian Boru came to Uisneach to claim sovereignty over Mide and ultimately the High Kingship of Ireland. In the 19th and early 20th Centuries, Uisneach was the site of great political rallies, with Daniel O'Connell and Eamonn De Valera addressing huge crowds from atop the Ail na Míreann.
Since pre-Christian times the hill has been regarded as the ceremonial & sacred centre of Ireland; the meeting point of the ancient provinces, where laws were struck and divisions agreed. In later years, when Tara became the political seat of the High Kings of Ireland, Uisneach retained its position as the country's spiritual centre. Uisneach also plays a central role in Irish mythology. The hill is said to be the burial place of both Ériu, the Sovereignty Goddess, after whom Ireland is named, & Lugh, the heroic God-King of the Tuatha dé Danann. The summit of the hill is also where The Dagda, father of the gods, is said to have made his home, with "Ireland stretching equally far from it on every side, to south and north, to east and west".
Description
The Hill of Uisneach is one of the 'Royal Sites of Ancient Ireland' that have been shortlisted for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a set of monuments and earthworks spread over two square kilometres. On and around the hill are the remains of a conjoined ringfort, circular enclosures, barrows, cairns, holy wells and ancient roads. These monuments and relics range in date from the Neolithic, early Bronze Age to the medieval period, indicating human activity spanning some five millennia. Although it stands just 182m-596ft above sea level, the summit of the Hill of Uisneach commands extensive panoramic views over Ireland's central plain. On a clear day, no less than twenty counties are visible on the horizon. According to tradition, the Hill of Uisneach is regarded as the geographical and spiritual centre of Ireland.
History
The origins of Uisneach lie far beyond recorded history with surviving monuments and relics dating from the Neolithic (3700-2500 BC) and Bronze Ages (2500-500 BC) which confirm its ceremonial status in pre-historic times. In early written sources, the area in which Uisneach is located, is recorded as 'Mide', meaning 'middle'. Originally a name for the hill itself (i.e. Uisneach Midi, the 'temple' or 'hearth' at the centre), over time the territory expanded to become the medieval Kingdom of Mide which gives its name to the modern counties of Meath & Westmeath. In the first millennium AD, Uisneach became the chief palace and assembly site of the Clann Cholmain kings, who ruled over the Kingdom of Mide with some even becoming High Kings of Ireland. The last of these was Máel Sechnaill Mór, who became High King in 980. His reign lasted until 999, when Brian Boru came to Uisneach to claim sovereignty over Mide and ultimately the High Kingship of Ireland. In the 19th and early 20th Centuries, Uisneach was the site of great political rallies, with Daniel O'Connell and Eamonn De Valera addressing huge crowds from atop the Ail na Míreann.
Folklore
Since pre-Christian times the hill has been regarded as the ceremonial & sacred centre of Ireland; the meeting point of the ancient provinces, where laws were struck and divisions agreed. In later years, when Tara became the political seat of the High Kings of Ireland, Uisneach retained its position as the country's spiritual centre. Uisneach also plays a central role in Irish mythology. The hill is said to be the burial place of both Ériu, the Sovereignty Goddess, after whom Ireland is named, & Lugh, the heroic God-King of the Tuatha dé Danann. The summit of the hill is also where The Dagda, father of the gods, is said to have made his home, with "Ireland stretching equally far from it on every side, to south and north, to east and west".
View all Monuments within this Complex
View all Monuments within this Complex
Gallery
Accessibility Rating: Easy
Access to any of the monuments on the Hill of Uisneach is by guided tour only. Please visit www.uisneach.ie for more details or telephone +353 (0) 87 718 9550
Visitor Centre & Carpark
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
Access to any of the monuments on the Hill of Uisneach is by guided tour only. Please visit www.uisneach.ie for more details or telephone +353 (0) 87 718 9550
Facilities
Visitor Centre & Carpark
Map
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.