Dumha na nGiall

archaeological site, Ireland

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Dumha na nGiall, meaning "Mound of the Hostages," is an archaeological site located on the hill of Tara in County Meath, Ireland. This passage grave dates back to approximately 2100 BC and is the earliest known human settlement in the area.1

The mound is part of a larger enclosure known as Ráth na Ríogh, or "Fortress of the Kings," which also contains other significant earthworks like Forradh ("Royal Seat") and Teach Cormaic ("Cormac's House"). These sites are believed to have been important during the first five centuries of the Christian era when Tara served as the seat of the Ui Néill dynasty of kings.1

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Tara
2100 bc) known as Dumha na nGiall (“Mound of the Hostages”). Numerous Bronze Age burials were found in the earth mound, which lies just inside the perimeter of a vast oval enclosure called Ráth na Riógh (“Fortress of the Kings”). Near the centre of this are two conjoined earthworks:…
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2100 bc) known as Dumha na nGiall (“Mound of the Hostages”). Numerous Bronze Age burials were found in the earth mound, which lies just inside the perimeter of a vast oval enclosure called Ráth na Riógh (“Fortress of the Kings”). Near the centre of this are two conjoined earthworks:…
Read More