Uisneach

Uisneach Home of the Bealtaine & Samhain Fire Festivals. The Hill where Ireland began. We are part of a working farm, access is via a tour or appointment only.

Thank you for understanding. The Hill of Uisneach or Ushnagh (Irish: Uisneach or Cnoc Uisnigh) is an ancient ceremonial site in the Barony of Rathconrath in County Westmeath, Ireland (National Monument Number 155). In Irish mythology it is the centre of Ireland and is associated with the festival of Bealtaine. The Hill is 182 metres (597 ft) tall and lies on the north side of the R390 road, 8 km e

ast of the village of Ballymore and beside the village of Loughanavally. The Hill of Uisneach occupies parts of four adjacent townlands: Ushnagh Hill, Mweelra, Rathnew, and Kellybrook. The site consists of a set of monuments and earthworks spread over two square kilometres. Around and upon the Hill are the remains of circular enclosures, barrows, cairns, holy wells and two ancient roads. On the southwest side of the Hill is a large, oddly-shaped limestone rock inside a circular enclosure. It is almost 6 metres (20 ft) tall and thought to weigh over 30 tons. In Irish it is called the Ail na Míreann ("stone of the divisions"), as it is said to have been where the borders of the provinces met. It is nicknamed the Cat Stone, allegedly because it resembles the shape of a sitting cat. The biggest enclosure was excavated in the 1920s by R.A.S. Macalister and R. Praeger and showed evidence of occupation from pre-history up to the early Middle Ages. Based on co-ordinates alone, some believe that it may be the site named as Raiba or Riba by Claudius Ptolemaeus (Ptolemy), the Egyptian-Greek astronomer and cartographer, writing in his Geographia around the year 140 AD.

Did you know we have this recently renovated, secluded yurt space available for rent for classes, retreats and workshops...
31/08/2026

Did you know we have this recently renovated, secluded yurt space available for rent for classes, retreats and workshops, etc, on the Hill of Uisneach!

A beautifully furnished private yurt surrounded by nature, with free parking alongside it and the freedom to take your group outside for meditation, mindful walks, and connection with the landscape.
You won't hear any traffic nor will you see any houses. It is beautifully tucked away between the Royal Palace and Lough Lugh, where the outside world will cease to exist once you step inside!

No noise, no distractions. Just space, silence, and nature.

For rental enquiries, please email [email protected]

The moment Aisling Rogerson, wife of the late Manchán Magan, lit the fire at An Tairseach Samhain ar Uisneach Festival l...
23/08/2026

The moment Aisling Rogerson, wife of the late Manchán Magan, lit the fire at An Tairseach Samhain ar Uisneach Festival last year. After a rousing and moving speech by An Drí ar Uisnigh as Aisling set the fire alight, there wasn't a dry eye on the hill.

Samhain is about remembrance, togetherness to embrace the long months ahead and one last celebration before retreating for the winter months.

We gather once again on November 7th and 8th for the best Samhain event on the island! (Your words, not ours!)

Tickets available on our website!

Did you know there is a perfect hole on the top of Ail na Míreann.Is it natural? Otherworldly? Or man-made?The hole was ...
18/08/2026

Did you know there is a perfect hole on the top of Ail na Míreann.

Is it natural? Otherworldly? Or man-made?

The hole was man-made to fly the tri-colour during one of Éamon De Valera's political rallies. The Catstone was chosen as the location as it had been the meeting point of the clans of Ireland and the five provinces since life began on this island. He knew the stone symbolised unity and sovereignty and deemed Uisneach the ideal place for his rally.

Now, before anyone gives out about the hole being created, it was 100 years ago, before our time as guardians of the hill! He wouldn't get the drill past the gate nowadays!!

The Hill of Uisneach is arguably the most historically significant site on the island and is being rediscovered as such by people from all corners of the globe.

This year has been our busiest year to date, and we just want to thank you all for visiting and spending time with us!

Have you walked these sacred grounds yet?

📷 Mythical Ireland

29/07/2026

Such devastating news about the tragic loss of Glen Hansard. All of us here at Uisneach send our thoughts to his family and friends.

Only a few weeks ago, we had asked Glen if he would do us the honour of lighting our An Tairseach Samhain fire. Being the humble man that he was, he asked me if he was worthy enough. Worthy enough? I explained that we only ask people who have contributed heavily to Irish society, the arts and ancient customs of this island and that there were few people I could think of who have done more for the above than him. He was so excited to be part of it.

A giant of a man in the music industry, he also starred in two of the most celebrated Irish movies to date. Add in his charity work, awareness of social issues, and the way he carried Ireland with such pride wherever he went. There was nobody more fitting.

He sent us this beautiful video he recorded from the summit here at Uisneach as he went up the hill one evening to say hello to Manchán and wanted to sing this wonderful piece in memory of him. It is something we will now cherish all the more.

The voice of a generation, who used that voice to champion others. His legacy will live on through his music, his kindness, and the countless lives he has touched.

The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation and Glen donated so much.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

We were delighted to host the national launch of the Home of Halloween here at Uisneach. Seeing as our event An Tairseac...
21/07/2026

We were delighted to host the national launch of the Home of Halloween here at Uisneach. Seeing as our event An Tairseach: Samhain ar Uisneach is the official closing ceremony, sure it only made sense to have the launch here!

Promoting Samhain on a glorious day in July with the hill in full bloom is no easy task, but such is the prep and efforts that go into these events, the work starts now!

Huge thanks to Minister Peter Burke for launching the day and Longford County Council Visit Longford & What's On! Westmeath County Council
Fáilte Ireland Discover Northern Ireland Samhain Heartlands for their help and attendance and the amazing local producers, food vendors, and musicians who showcased their talents and for having the place look incredible!

An Tairseach: Samhain ar Uisneach November 7th and 8th - tickets coming very soon!! 🔥

Address

Killare
Mullingar
N91R6C9

Opening Hours

Friday 6pm - 8pm
Saturday 11am - 1pm
6pm - 8pm
Sunday 11am - 1pm

Telephone

+353877189550

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