Friends of Tlachtga

INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THIS PAGE & REDISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PERMISSION IS A COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. They cannot be based on factual evidence. Blessed Be.

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.

31/10/2025

Four sides on each rembrance stick. Names of loved ones near and far who have passed. These will be added to the fire which has been lit and carried from the sacred site of Tlachtga.

It is said when we pass, we die twice. First, when we leave our human form and again the last time someone says our name.

When we continue to speak of loved ones with fondness and grá, we keep them with us in our hearts. 💞

Samhain Blessings to all. 🙏🏻🔥

31/10/2025

Have you submitted the names of your loved ones who have passed in the last year?

Each name will be written on wood, for inclusion in the festival fire this evening. There is still time.

Just pop the names in the comments.

Samhain Blessings to all.
Blessed be 🙏🏻

31/03/2025

09/03/2025

**MONDAY MORNING MEETING FOR KELL'S MUNICIPAL DISTRICT**

For anyone who has been keeping an eye on the situation regarding the proposed playground in the Fairgreen, Athboy, please be advised.

There is a Kell's Municipal District meeting tomorrow morning, Monday, March 10th.

Item 3 on the Agenda includes discussions regarding the Part 8 planning application for the proposed playground.

Upon delivering their recommendations, should Meath County Council choose to approve the application, councillors will be required to vote.

We need councillors to vote AGAINST this Part 8 Planning Application.

A playground in the Fairgreen Athboy is NOT at the wishes of the majority of the townspeople, nor is it in the best interests of the Fairgreen and its preservation.

None of those approached during the initial discussions in March 2024 were aware the subject of a playground would mean putting it into the Fairgreen.

Time is of the essence. Please contact your local representatives, and ask them to vote NO to this Part 8 Planning.

Send the message tonight!
Please!
Athboy Fairgreen NEEDS your support.

- Suggested Message -

Dear (NAME),
As the local representative for Athboy, please vote NO if required to vote tomorrow morning at the Kell's Municipal District, on the Part 8 Planning Application for a proposed playground in the Fairgreen, Athboy.
We do not want a playground on our historical Fairgreen.
(YOUR NAME)

See the local reps numbers below.

Cllr. Mike Bray 0861572779
Cllr. Sarah Reilly 0864085679
Cllr. Peter Caffrey 0879202519
Cllr. Eugene Cassidy 0863717686
Cllr. Sean Drew 0874121803
Cllr. Michael Gallagher 087947822

Johnny Guirke TD Meath West Darren O'Rourke Gillian Toole Helen Mc Entee Peadar Tóibín

Meath Chronicle LMFM

Druids Perform the Rites of Samhain at Halloween, Co. Meath, Ireland 2005

07/03/2025

Share your memories of the Samhain Festival of Fire evenings from 1999-2017.

Why did you visit?

What did it mean to you?

How did you find out about the events?

Share your photos and reconnect with old Samhain acquaintances.

Blessed Be 🙏🏻

Druids Perform the Rites of Samhain at Halloween, Co. Meath, Ireland 2005 Every Halloween, modern-day Druids go to the Hill of Ward in Co. Meath to welcome in the Celtic New Year.Before Christianity came to Ireland, Halloween was t...

"I was called a clown," - historian pivotal in Hallowe'en site recognised

08/02/2025

Our thanks to of LMFM who conducted this lovely interview with historian, master stone mason, professional photographer and 'Keeper of The Hill' at , .

https://www.lmfm.ie/news/news-extra/i-was-called-a-clown-historian-pivotal-in-halloween-site-recognised/

It is always lovely for people to have the opportunity to see and hear how the mysteries and lore of have re-emerged in the last two decades, thanks to Joe's local knowledge and passion about the preservation of our history.

Have a read and let us know of your experiences at Hill of Ward Tlachtga.

Did you visit during our Samhain Festival of Fire years?

Perhaps you travelled from abroad?

Did you come to pay homage to our ancient ancestors?

Maybe you simply wanted to experience a taste of Irish community and love of the land?

We always love to hear from our visitors.

You can email your stories and accounts to [email protected]

Sending blessings,
Sinead C Kavanagh
PRO for Friends of Tlachtga

"I was called a clown," - historian pivotal in Hallowe'en site recognised I was called a clown 25 years ago when I tried to tell people that Hallowe'en started in Athboy, said a Meath historian who expressed his delight that the site has finally been internationally recognised.

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Location

Athboy

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Website

http://www.facebook.com/friendsoftlachtga

Address

Athboy
J4G6CM