On Monday, August 7, from 1pm to 4pm, celebrate Lughnasadh on the hill of Uisneach in the heart of County Westmeath and connect with the beating heart of Ireland.
Lughnasadh signifies the beginning of the harvest season and gives its name to the Irish word for August (Lúnasa in modern Irish ). Treasa Ní Mhurchú of Sacred Sites of Ireland will take you back in time engaging a deep spiritual and energetic connection with the sacred landscape of Uisneach and the archetypal energies of the Tuatha Dé exploring our ancient past and bringing it back to life.
The Hill of Uisneach is an ancient ceremonial site and a protected national monument. It is one of six Irish royal sites, the Hill of Uisneach is currently on the list for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Standing at 596ft above sea level, the summit of Uisneach commands extensive views with no less than 20 counties visible on the horizon.
The roots of Uisneach lie beyond recorded history but its surviving monuments and relics range in date from the Neolithic and early Bronze Age to the medieval period, indicating human activity spanning some five millennia. Uisneach is near the geographical centre of Ireland, and in Irish mythology it is deemed to be the symbolic and sacred centre of Ireland. It was said to be the burial place of the mythical Tuatha Dé Danann, and a place of assembly associated with the druids and the festival of Bealtaine.
Treasa Ní Mhurchú is a working Archaeologist, Holistic Therapist, Tour and Heritage Guide and Stress Management Consultant. She is a Ban Draoi with a keen interest in and passion for all sacred sites. This event is outdoors and takes approximately three hours. A moderate level of fitness is required and suitable clothing and footwear for hillwalking (and Irish weather ) should be worn. Care should be taken whilst on site as the terrain is uneven.
