Patrick and the High King of Ireland

Tuesday, September 4, 2013

Visited several ancient sites today, all within 90 minutes of Dublin. The high cross and round tower are located in Monasterboice, part of a 10^th century monastery. The Great Mound of Knowth is near Newgrange, another burial mound dating back more than 5,000 years.

Great Mound of Knowth

High Cross and round tower at Monasterboice

Ascending the Hill of Slane

On the Hill of Tara

Of greater interest were the hills of Slane and Tara. The Hill of Tara was the seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland for centuries. Once a year a great fire was built on the Hill of Tara, which could only be ignited by the High King. Over a million subjects gathered to pay homage. The ceremony demonstrated the power of the Druid gods. St. Patrick challenged the High King and the power of the Druid gods by starting his own fire first on the Hill of Slane, some 17 miles away, but – by night – in full view of all those on the Hill of Tara. What should have resulted in Patrick’s death instead got him the ear of the King, who had to acknowledge the power of Patrick’s God. Eventually, this opened the way for Christianity in Ireland. Shown are Chrissi, Gary and Linda ascending the Hill of Slane, and Chrissi and I by a stone monument on the Hill of Tara.

Of course, after returning to Dublin we enjoyed Irish stew and a pint at a local pub. Tomorrow we're off to Belfast.