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Hill Of Tara Walk

0.6 miles (1 km)

Open Streetmap This walk visits a fascinating ancient site near Skryne in County Meath. The atmospheric area was once used as the inauguration place and seat of the High Kings of Ireland. The site also has strong associations with Irish mythology and has uncovered many archaeological gems over the years.
You can start the walk from the parking area just to the north of the site. Then follow footpaths south past St Patrick's Parish Church to the Rath of the Synods and the Mound of Hostages. Here you can explore the ancient ceremonial and burial sites which are considered to be some of the most significant archaeological sites in Ireland. From the hill there are also excellent views over the surrounding countryside.
The Hill Of Tara is located about 43km north west of Dublin, so should take just under an hour in the car.

Postcode

C15 AVY8 - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Hill Of Tara Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

Maguires Cafe & Gift Shop are located right next to the car park. They serve a good range of meals, snacks and sweet treats. There's nice views to the hill from the cafe as well.

Dog Walking

The site is dog friendly but please keep them on leads.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head north and you could try the Boyne Valley Walk. This waterside route explores the lush green countryside of the River Boyne Valley, taking you from Navan along the canal towpath to the ancient site of Knowth. On the way you will also pass another local historic highlight at Slane Castle. The castle grounds include a whiskey distillery, woodland trails and a natural amphitheatre which has been used for many concerts.
Just to the east of Slane Castle is the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne. The area includes an excellent visitor centre and a number of walkways taking you around the site of the historic 17th century battle. There are also pretty gardens and walks along the River Boyne and the Boyne Canal. You can reach the site from nearby Drogheda by following the Drogheda Boyne Greenway west from the town. The shared cycling and walking trail utilises sections of boardwalk and riverside paths along the River Boyne to reach the battlefield. It's a pleasant way to reach the site without a car.
Just to the west is the medieval Trim Castle where there are some pleasant grounds and more riverside trails.

Photos

The former St Patrick's Parish Church (CoI) at Tara - geograph.org.uk - 3778075

The former St Patrick's Parish Church (CoI) at Tara

Mound of the Hostages, Hill of Tara 2018-07-24

Mound of the Hostages, Hill of Tara. The evocative seat of Ireland's Celtic kings. Tara consists of numerous monuments and earthworks—dating from the Neolithic to the Iron Age—including this passage tomb (the "Mound of the Hostages")

View north from the Royal Enclosure towards the Mound of the Hostages - geograph.org.uk - 3778287

View north from the Royal Enclosure towards the Mound of the Hostages. The Hill of Tara was included in the World Monuments Fund's 2008 Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in the world

Tree lined road approaching the Hill of Tara - geograph.org.uk - 3779375

Tree lined road approaching the Hill of Tara

Collinaditara

Nice views of the countryside

County Meath - Hill of Tara - 20220717130412

County Meath

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Hill Of Tara.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)