hill of tailte

Half-way between Navan and Kells (N3) rises the Hill of Tailte, where the famous annual Tailtean Games and Fair of ancient Ireland were held. Established by King Lugh Lamhfhada (Lugh Long-hand) and named in honour of his step-mother, Tailte (daughter of the King of Spain and wife of Eochaidh, last of the Kings of Firbolgs), the Tailteann celebrations were amongst the great ceremonial occasions of pagan Ireland. Held in ceremonial fashion for the last time in 1168 under Roderick O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland, informal gathering continued until the middle of the eighteenth century. After the foundation of the Free State an attempt was made to revive the festival and the Tailteann Games were held in the late 1920's, mainly concentrating on sporting events. The earthworks are all that remain of this important ceremonial site.