1. Sliabh na Caillí – The Hill of the Witch
We begin the day at Sliabh na Caillí, meaning “The Hill of the Witch,” the highest point in County Meath. The name comes from local legend: it is said that a powerful goddess once leapt from hill to hill across the land, shaping the landscape with each stride.
At the summit, you will find some of Ireland’s oldest Neolithic cairns, predating even Newgrange. From here, the views stretch across the midlands, and I will share the stories that link these stones to both the mythic and the real — how people once marked the cycles of the seasons from this very place.
2. The Holy Well
From there, we travel to a sacred holy well, a quiet, secluded spot that has been a place of prayer and healing for centuries. Many still come here to tie ribbons, leave offerings, and draw water said to hold curative powers. It’s a gentle, reflective stop that captures Ireland’s enduring blend of spirituality and folklore.
3. The Hill of Ward – Birthplace of Samhain
Our next visit is to the Hill of Ward near Athboy, the very site where the Samhain fires once burned. According to legend, it was here that druids lit the first ceremonial flame at the end of the harvest, sending a signal across Ireland for other fires to follow.
Standing on this hill, surrounded by farmland and sky, it’s easy to imagine the flicker of light spreading across the horizon two thousand years ago — marking the moment between summer and winter, life and death, this world and the next. I’ll guide you through the myths of the Hill and how its rituals evolved into what we now call Halloween.
4. The Hill of Tara
Next, we visit the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of Ireland’s High Kings and one of the country’s most sacred landscapes. Tara has always been a place where history and mythology intertwine — a ceremonial centre, a burial ground, and a symbol of spiritual power.
We will walk the ancient earthworks and the Lia Fáil, the Stone of Destiny, said to roar when touched by a rightful king. Tara carries a sense of timelessness; it feels alive beneath your feet, the air filled with both story and silence.
5. Fourknocks Passage Tomb
Our final stop is Fourknocks Passage Tomb, a lesser-known gem dating back to around 3000 BC. Access is by key, giving us the rare privilege of entering alone. Inside, carved symbols and the quiet curve of the chamber create a profound sense of peace — the perfect way to close a day that bridges myth and memory.
When you step back outside and see the low winter light over Meath’s fields, it’s easy to understand why this region has always been considered sacred.
