Uisneach

Uisneach We are part of a working farm, access is via a tour or appointment only. Thank you for understanding. The biggest enclosure was excavated in the 1920s by R.A.S.
(1)

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 east of the village of Ballymo

re 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. 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.

We had the pleasure of hosting Seán Ronayne last month so he could record the birds here on the hill. 46 species so far,...
01/06/2026

We had the pleasure of hosting Seán Ronayne last month so he could record the birds here on the hill. 46 species so far, with still some recordings to go through, along with a long list of animals such as the badger who swallowed and regurgitated his recorder!!

The recorded birds were found just along the tour route itself, and we will have Seán back soon to try and cover the whole archaeological enclosure just to see how many amazing birds call Uisneach home.

The abundance of birds, frogs, flowers, and fauna on the hill shows that farming with a nature first approach is possible, and the results speak for themselves. We are very proud of this beautiful wildlife sanctuary here on the hill.

27/05/2026
Another layer of charcoal and ash to add to the thousands of years that have gone before it!Let's hope future generation...
18/05/2026

Another layer of charcoal and ash to add to the thousands of years that have gone before it!

Let's hope future generations keep the Bealtaine fire going and keep the layers piling up!

As was then, so is now 🔥

15/05/2026

Uisneach Summer Solstice Sunset Event - Sat 20th June

Immerse yourself in this sacred landscape, where time will stand still and connections made.
Listen to our bards tell the stories of our ancestors. Some musical accompaniment to embrace you as the sun bows her head on the longest day of the year.

Become one with this sacred landscape as the warm glow stretches across our unrivalled views of two-thirds of the island.

Limited Tickets available at www.uisneach.ie

For all you good folk asking what's next on the hill, here you go!Our Summer Solstice event is live and bookable on our ...
13/05/2026

For all you good folk asking what's next on the hill, here you go!

Our Summer Solstice event is live and bookable on our website. We will have the other tickets released ASAP (I need sleep!!)

Our other events are much smaller than Bealtaine, so tickets are extremely limited.

Our public tours are Fridays 6pm, Saturdays & Sundays 11am and private tours are available daily by emailing [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you all on the hill again very soon!

Incredible photos!!! 🔥
12/05/2026

Incredible photos!!! 🔥

Address

Killare
Mullingar
N91R6C9

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+353877189550

Website

https://linktr.ee/Uisneach

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Uisneach posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Uisneach:

Shortcuts

Share