Tlachtga, currently termed 'earthworks' by the National Monuments of Ireland, is one of the most spectacular megalithic sites in Europe. It is thousands of years old and hold who knows how many secrets. Unfortunately, while it remains an 'earthworks', we'll never truly know. For the past thirty-five years, local historian, master stonemason and photographer Joe Conlon, has been garnering support a
nd recognition of this site from not only the 'powers that be' but also by the local community, the county of Meath and Ireland as a whole. At times it seems there is more support internationally than at home as it often the way with wonderful assets on one's own doorstep but that is changing slowly but surely and we are delighted to add to our growing community on a yearly basis. Recent studies by qualified groups have deemed Tlachtga a site of similar if not greater significance than that at Tara, and recent excavations during the Summer of 2014 & 2015 plus further studies of a geophysical nature are lending support to this concept. We hope to eventually, be better able to establish Tlachtga's place in our ancient heritage, however it has been confirmed that the site was a place where great fires did take place and a human presence on the site has been roughly dated as far back as 3,500BC, that would make the site over 5,000 years old! Many believe it to be a site of enormous significance to our ancestors as a place of pilgrimage also. Legend has it, it is the birthplace of the hugely important ancient festival of Samhain, the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.
'Friends of Tlachtga©' are the founders and organisers of the Samhain Festival of Fire© and Torchlight Procession which took place, annually, in Athboy from 1999-2017. The council controlled infrastructure, and site itself were not able to withstand the huge gatherings that had come about (over 3,500 in 2017). With no permissions for road closures, health and safety was a big issue, coupled with the access to the site being unsuitable for such numbers and lack of facilities, it was determined for the sake of the site, its preservation and those who wished to remember loved ones and share a unity in community, the Festival be suspended in lieu of an equally fitting tribute. We hope in time to come, the Samhain Festival of Fire will once more ignite the bonds of our heritage by rekindling our love for the stories of our ancestors and spirit of community.
'Friends of Tlachtga©' will monitor all posts and will remove those which are not in keeping with the spirit of the page. We ask that all those who post, to have consideration and respect for the views of all.
'Friends of Tlachtga©' take no responsibility for any comments or content posted by third parties.
'Friends of Tlachtga©' will publish information regarding Tlachtga, it's origins and history having first endeavoured to clarify the information where possible however it is worth noting that documented information about Tlachtga for the period preceding 500AD is scant to the point of being non-existent. Therefore much information is based on supposition and the legends and lore you can read online are just that.
