1. The Hill of Uisneach

2. The Hill of Uisneach
• We have a very
important piece of
Irish history near
our school. It is
called the Hill of
Uisneach and it is on
the main road from
Athlone to
Mullingar.

3. It is a large hill called
Uisneach and it was
very important in
Ireland’s past. In
ancient Ireland for a
short while it was the
home of Ireland’s High
King before his home
moved to the Hill of
Tara.
Ancient High King of Ireland
Cormac Mac Art

4. Hill of Tara
Hill of Uisneach

5. • It was a very
important place for
the druids of
Ireland. The druids
were like holy men
from an ancient
religion and they
believed they had
magic powers

6. Here the druids would meet.
Every year on the 1st of May
the feast of Bealtaine was
celebrated. The druids
would light a large fire to
their god Éiriú who they
believed was buried in the hill.
It is from this god that our
country Éire received its
name.

7. Uisneach was also used by
the ordinary people of the
area as a market place.
They would bring their
cattle, sheep and food they
had grown and they would
exchange these good with
other famers.
This method is known as
bartering as actual money
did not exist at the time.

8. When you drive past the hill you can see a large stone.
In fact it is several stones put together. It is
known as the catstone.

9. Long ago
Uisneach was
known as the
navel of
Ireland as it is
said to be
right in the
centre of the
country.

10. St. Patrick’s Bed
There is a legend that says that one night St. Patrick slept at
the top of the hill. There is a big monument that marks this
spot.

11. Festival of Fires
Every year in May
there is now a big
festival at the hill
to remember the
feast of Bealtaine.
A big fire is lit.
There is
music, arts and
lots of other
things to do. It is
very popular.
Have any of you
visited the festival
with your family?