The Mound of the Hostages on the Hill of Tara is the oldest surviving monument above ground at this place where over 100 of the High Kings of Ireland were crowned. The hill and valley had been the centre of political, social and religious life in Ireland, perhaps for over 5,000 years.

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It is a neolithic Passage Tomb with an undifferentiated passage and chamber (no recesses), there is also some neolithic carving to be seen on one of the stones in the passage. The name 'The Mound of the Hostages' is only a thousand years old at most whereas the mound itself is over 5,000 years old.

The Mound of the Hostages on the Hill of Tara is the oldest surviving monument above ground at this place where over 100 of the High Kings of Ireland were crowned. The hill and valley had been the centre of political, social and religious life in Ireland, perhaps for over 5,000 years.

Click on any of the photos in this gallery for a larger version, use the back button to return.

It is a neolithic Passage Tomb with an undifferentiated passage and chamber (no recesses), there is also some neolithic carving to be seen on one of the stones in the passage. The name 'The Mound of the Hostages' is only a thousand years old at most whereas the mound itself is over 5,000 years old.