Hill of Ward facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hill of WardTlachtga |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 90 m (300 ft) |
| Prominence | 50 m (160 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Hill of Ward
Tlachtga Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | County Meath, Ireland |
The Hill of Ward (Irish: Tlachtga) is a special hill in County Meath, Ireland. It's also known by its old Irish name, Tlachtga. This hill has a long and interesting history, especially connected to ancient Irish festivals and myths. It stands about 90 meters (295 feet) tall.
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Where is the Hill of Ward?
This important hill is located in County Meath, Ireland. You can find it between the towns of Athboy to the west and Ráth Chairn to the east. It's a place where history and nature meet.
Ancient Festivals and Halloween
Long ago, during medieval times, the Hill of Ward was a very important place for big festivals. People would gather there for celebrations. One of the most famous events was when large fires, called "bone fires" (Tine Cnámh), were lit. These fires were part of the Samhain festival. Samhain was an ancient Celtic festival that marked the end of summer and the harvest. It was also seen as a time when the boundary between our world and the spirit world became thin. Many of the traditions from Samhain are now part of the modern Halloween holiday.
The Legend of Tlachtga
The hill is closely linked to a powerful woman from Irish mythology named Tlachtga. She was a druidess, which means she was a wise and magical person. Legend says that Tlachtga gave birth to three sons right on this hill. This story makes the Hill of Ward even more special in Irish folklore.
A Hill Full of History
The Hill of Ward has been an important site for thousands of years. It holds many secrets from Ireland's past.
Iron Age Fort
At the top of the Hill of Ward, you can find the remains of an Iron Age earthen ringfort. A ringfort was a type of circular fort built with earth banks and ditches. People lived and protected themselves inside these forts. This particular ringfort shows that the hill was an important place for communities a very long time ago.
Kings and Legends
Later on, the Hill of Ward became connected to powerful rulers. It was associated with the Kings of Mide and even the Kings of Munster. These were important kingdoms in ancient Ireland. The hill also appears in old Irish tales. For example, it's mentioned in stories about Tlachtga's father, Mug Ruith. He was said to have a flying machine called roth rámach that he flew over the hill.
Important Gatherings and Battles
In 1168, a very important leader, the High King of Ireland Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, held a huge meeting at the Hill of Ward. Many people gathered there for this event. Later, in 1172, a sad event happened on the hill. Tigernán Ua Ruairc, who was the King of Bréifne, was killed there. This happened during a meeting, or "parley," with Norman invaders. A parley is a discussion between enemies to try and make peace.
The Hill's English Name
The Hill of Ward got its English name from a landowner named Ward. His family owned the land for a long time. However, during the invasion led by Oliver Cromwell in 1649, the Ward family was forced to leave their land. Cromwell's soldiers, called Roundheads, took over. The land was then given to one of Cromwell's soldiers. Even today, some members of the Ward family still live in County Meath.
Modern Discoveries
In recent years, archaeologists have been working on the Hill of Ward. They dig carefully to find clues about the past. Their work has confirmed that the hill was used as a special ritual site for many, many years. This means people gathered there for ceremonies and important events over a long period of history.
