Hill of Tara Review

Quick Verdict

Hill of Tara is the ancient seat of Ireland's High Kings and one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. But without a guide (which is my fault), it felt like walking around a golf course with some random small hills.

It's just off the motorway and have some friendly donkeys, but unless you're really into the history, I'd keep on driving.

Score: 5/10

What is Hill of Tara?

Hill of Tara was the ceremonial and political center of ancient Ireland for over 1,500 years. This is where the High Kings of Ireland were crowned and where some of the most important events in Irish history took place.

The site contains over 30 monuments dating back 5,000 years, including burial mounds, ring forts, and the famous Stone of Destiny. It's mentioned in countless Irish legends and was considered the spiritual heart of the island.

My Hill of Tara Experience

I wasn't intending on going to the Hill of Tara, I was driving on the motorway when I saw the sign saying the Hill of Tara was just 3km away, so I went. I know the history and I'd been there as a kid, just like every school child in Ireland, but I couldn't remember what was there.

I got there early and found parking but I imagine later in the day, it would be hard to find parking. There were some camper vans with their occupants enjoying their morning coffee.

The Tara Donkeys

At the entrance to the Hill are a few signs explaining what it is. But I was too busy saying hello to the very friendly donkeys to take the history in.

Hill of Tara Visitor Centre

There's a visitor centre in an old church on the site with a 20 minute film about the Hill of Tara history. I didn't watch it because I was there very early and the lady said it would take fifteen minutes to set up. I was impatient and in a hurry. This was an unplanned stop remember. My bad. So off I went to explore the Hill itself.

The Hill Of Tara

Admission is free, but unguided so while I was expecting to be wowed by one of Ireland's most important historical sites. Instead, I spent 45 minutes walking around what looked like a very scenic golf course, trying to figure out which grassy bump was supposed to be which ancient monument.

The setting is beautiful and you can understand why ancient kings chose this spot. But without a guide, the actual historical significance is completely lost. The OPW website makes mention of guided tours but has no more details. I did see some bus tours with guides and I tried to pick up some pieces of info but I'm a tour guide myself and recognize the wary raised eyebrow look from the guides who spot an interloper.

Again, I'm being unfair. There is 5000 years of history here. A guide would have pointed out all of these places in the field:

• The Stone of Destiny - the coronation stone where High Kings were crowned
• The Mound of the Hostages - a 5,000-year-old passage tomb
• Cormac's House - a large ring fort associated with King Cormac mac Airt
• The Royal Seat - the main ceremonial area
• The Banquet Hall - two parallel earthworks where feasts were supposedly held
• Grainne's Fort - a ring fort named after the legendary princess
• The Sloping Trenches - mysterious linear earthworks

Perhaps the Office of Public Works (OPW) could do a better job at the site. Charges a few Euro and add more signs or regular guided tours. They are normally excellent though so maybe I just missed something.

Should You Visit Hill of Tara?

Only if you're genuinely interested in Irish history and willing to do some homework first. This isn't Newgrange where the monument speaks for itself. Hill of Tara requires imagination and context to appreciate.

If you're driving past on the M3 motorway anyway, it's worth a quick stop. The views are lovely, it's free, and you can say you've been to the seat of the High Kings. But I wouldn't make a special trip from Dublin unless you're planning to take a guided tour.

Hill of Tara Day Trip From Dublin

If I had been on a guided tour, my experience would have been much different here. This full day bus tour from Dublin with a local guide visits Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, Loughcrew's Cairns, Fore Distillery and Fore Abbey.

Getting to Hill of Tara from Dublin

Hill of Tara is about 40 minutes north of Dublin, just off the M3 motorway at Junction 6. Parking is free and there's plenty of space.

Hill of Tara Opening Times

The site itself is always open. The visitor center is typically open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm in summer, with shorter hours in winter. Entrance to both is completely free.

Is the Hill of Tara Worth Visiting?

Hill of Tara is undoubtedly one of Ireland's most important historical sites. But importance doesn't always translate to visitor experience. Without proper context or a guide, it's just not that impressive to look at.

Score: 5/10 . Important historically, disappointing visually.

Better Day Trips From Dublin

• Go to Newgrange. It is fantastic & has guide. Here is my review of Newgrange.
• Celtic Boyne Valley & Ancient Sites Day Tour From Dublin
• Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough & Kilkenny Tour
• Dublin to Belfast Black Cab, Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway