Ráth na Riógh

ancient fortress, Ireland

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July 13, 2026

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Ráth na Riogh, meaning "Fortress of the Kings," is a significant ancient site in Ireland, located on Tara hill in County Meath. This vast oval enclosure served as a stronghold and residence for ancient Irish chiefs.12

The earliest remains at Tara include a passage grave dating to around 2100 BC, known as the "Mound of the Hostages." Within the Ráth na Riogh enclosure, there are numerous Bronze Age burials. The site also features other earthworks, such as the "Royal Seat" and "Cormac's House," which may have been an inauguration site for kings.1

The main earthworks likely date from the first five centuries AD, when Tara was the seat of the Ui Néill dynasty of kings. The site was likely abandoned by the 6th century.1

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Tara
…a vast oval enclosure called Ráth na Riógh (“Fortress of the Kings”). Near the centre of this are two conjoined earthworks: Forradh (“Royal Seat”) and Teach Cormaic (“Cormac’s House”). On the latter is a pillar stone, often thought to be the inauguration stone of the kings of Tara. The other…
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…a vast oval enclosure called Ráth na Riógh (“Fortress of the Kings”). Near the centre of this are two conjoined earthworks: Forradh (“Royal Seat”) and Teach Cormaic (“Cormac’s House”). On the latter is a pillar stone, often thought to be the inauguration stone of the kings of Tara. The other…
Read More