The Mystical Hill of Tara: A Guide to the Hill of Heroes
Buy for a Group
Reviews
About the Tour
About the Tour
The Hill of Tara was the famous seat of the High Kings of Ireland. In fact, it’s been an important site for rituals since the stone age, and when Saint Patrick came to Ireland, it’s no surprise that he came to Tara to confront the druids. But it’s seen rallies and violent clashes in the name of liberty in more recent times too – and it boasts fantastic views over an ancient landscape.
On this walking tour, you’ll discover why Tara was and still is an important spiritual center. My story brings you all the way from the arrival of the first farmers in the Boyne Valley through to the dawn of Christianity. We’ll explore the essence of Celtic spirituality and peer through a window into Ireland’s Iron Age, a time of druids, saints and kings.
You can look forward to:
- One of the oldest Stone Age passage tombs in Ireland and other archaeological discoveries at the Hill of Tara.
- Portals to the otherworld of the fairies and other folk traditions associated with Tara.
- An introduction to what archeology here has taught us about the burial practices of Neolithic and Bronze Age people and other insights into how our ancestors viewed the world, including how they used stars to predict the future.
- The search for elusive Sheela Na Gig carving among the gravestones at the Hill of Tara.
- Testing your courage – and your stomach – against the trials of being a king in ancient Ireland and the unsavory practices associated with kingship here at the Hill of Tara
And if you’d like to take part in an Irish tradition then please bring a piece of degradable cloth with you on this walk. All will be revealed!
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Derek Spillane
Credentials & Professional Memberships
• Fáilte Ireland–Approved National Tour Guide
• BA (Hons.) in History and Heritage Studies
• Guiding professionally across Ireland since 2012
• Former Chairperson, Galway Tour Guides Association
• Member, ATGI – Association of Tour Guides of Ireland
• Fully accredited with Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide Badge
• Full Public Liability Insurance
• SPSV Licence Holder
• D1 Driver’s Licence Holder
• Proven reputation as a safe, professional, and highly rated driver-guide
Private Luxury Tours of Ireland with a Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide
Welcome! If you’re looking for a private tour guide in Ireland who combines deep local roots, academic expertise, and over a decade of professional experience, you’re in the right place.
I am a Fáilte Ireland–approved National Tour Guide with a BA (Hons.) in History and Heritage Studies, guiding visitors throughout Ireland since 2012. Born and raised in Galway—with family roots tracing back to 1776 and strong connections to the Aran Islands—I offer an authentic, insider’s perspective on Ireland’s history, culture, and landscapes.
Bespoke Private Tours of Ireland (1–8 Guests)
I specialise in private, tailor-made tours of Ireland, designed around your interests and travel style. Enjoy luxury transport for groups of 1 to 8 guests, with personalised itineraries that bring Ireland’s heritage and scenery to life.
Tour options include:
• Private day tours from Galway or Dublin
• Multi-day Ireland tours starting in Dublin
• Luxury shore excursions from Galway Port
• Custom itineraries featuring the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and beyond
Every tour is carefully curated to offer a rich blend of history, storytelling, scenic beauty, and local insight.
A Knowledgeable Local Guide with Global Perspective
Extensive travel around the world has shown me how transformative a truly great guide can be. My goal is to deliver more than just sightseeing—I provide immersive, engaging experiences that connect you to Ireland’s people, past, and place in the world.
As a fully accredited Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide, I operate to the highest professional standards, holding full insurance and all required driving licences. My commitment to safety, professionalism, and guest satisfaction is consistently reflected in five-star reviews.
If you’re seeking a luxury private Ireland tour led by a qualified, experienced, and passionate local guide, I would be delighted to welcome you and help you discover what makes Ireland so special.
To book a physical tour go to www.wildaboutireland.ie
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 10
The Healing Fairy Tree
These trees are located throughout Ireland and are often found as part of a mound, tree, and holy well complex. The Hawthorn tree is often revered, as, in folk medicine, the berries provide medicine for heart complaints. Firstly, one has a requ... Read More
View locations and route
How VoiceMap Works
Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
-
Hill of Tara
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
-
Start locationCastletown Tara, Co. Meath, Ireland
-
Total distance1km
-
Final locationCastleboy, Co. Meath, Ireland
-
Distance back to start location270.12m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins a the entrance to the Hill of Tara site
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Maguires Cafe, Old and Rare Bookshop, and the Tara Open Studio
Best time of day
The site is available to access anytime, but the the visitors centre is subject to Covid restrictions and is open 10am - 6pm, 7 days a week. You don't need access to the visitor's centre to take the tour. Any time is a good time, however, the morning for watching when the dew lifts and the evening time as the sun goes down are sublime
Precautions
There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing, so come prepared with a rain jacket and good footwear
Get The App
Get The App
Questions and Reviews
