Overview:

is a collection of archaeological sites located in the Republic of Ireland. They range from the ancient, Neolithic passage tombs known as the Fourknocks, to the iconic, monastic stone settlements of Glendalough. This collection includes some of the most valued sites in Irish nuclear archaeology and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It is the only Irish World Heritage Site and the only one outside of Japan inscribed for the purpose of its prehistoric remains. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Ireland
Prominent Features:

• Hill of Tara: Hill of Tara is a Hilltop archaeological complex located in County Meath, about 50km north of Dublin and is a prime example of Ancient Irish heritage. The site is believed to be the sacred and ancient seat of the High King of Ireland and has been the site of religious ceremonies for thousands of years. • Rock of Cashel: The Rock of Cashel is a richly-carved fortress situated in Cashel, County Tipperary. Built around 1,000 CE, this relic has been in a ruinous state since the 17th century but its once-imposing structure continues to draw tourists from around the world. • Newgrange: Newgrange is an ancient neolithic tomb located in County Meath, about 40km northeast of Dublin. Its iconic white quartz walls and grassy roof speaks of preservation and protection, and the tomb itself is believed to contain some of the oldest structures in Europe. • Burren: The Burren is an extensive, gravelly limestone landscape forming a circular area between the Burren National Park and the Shannon Estuary. It's home to thousands of wild plants, rare wildlife, and ancient monuments – sites of religious and archaeological importance – all set in a ruggedly beautiful landscape. • Clonmacnoise: Clonmacnoise is an ancient monastic settlement on the banks of the River Shannon in County Offaly. It contains a collection of beehive huts, round towers and churches, which are all part of this history monastic site. • Glendalough: Glendalough is an early medieval monastic settlement nestled within the Wicklow Mountains. Structures from the time include a 30m-high round tower, an ornate cathedral, a small chapel and the ruins of a settlement. • Dingle Peninsula: The Dingle Peninsula is a lush and beautiful landscape located in South West Ireland. It's home to a variety of archaeological sites including Dún an Óir (‘Fort of Gold’), Gallarus Oratory and the Beehive Huts. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Ireland.

History:

The history of historic monuments of ancient Nara in Ireland dates back to the early 7th century AD. During this period, the Kingdom of Tara was established in the fertile lowlands of the island. As the Kingdom of Tara flourished, it was the site of many religious monuments, the most notable of which is the Hill of Tara. The Hill of Tara is one of the most famous historic landmarks on the island, and is believed to have been the political and spiritual seat for the High Kings of Ireland. It is believed that the Hill was constructed with high levels of ritual practices and ceremonies that were held to commemorate High King election days and major festivals. In addition to the Hill of Tara, many other monuments were erected during this period in the vicinity of Tara. One notable example of these monuments is the High Cross at Kells which was constructed in the early 8th century AD and is believed to be the earliest surviving decorated stone in the whole of Europe. Other similar monuments erected at the time include the Great Stone at Ballinkillen which is home to some of the oldest cemetery stones in Ireland, and the Columns of Kilian and Kieran which are believed to be pre-Christian religious markers. Another important site from the era is The Wandesford Cross which was constructed to commemorate the Wandesford family who were the custodians of the Hill of Tara in the 9th Century AD. This cross was located at what is now Crosskeys, County Meath and is believed to be the only surviving cross of its kind in Ireland. Finally, another prominent example of Irish historic monuments to remember from the era is St. Patrick's Cathedral, located in Dublin, which is the second oldest cathedral in Ireland. Visit one of the famous monuments of Ireland with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The earliest archaeological evidence from Nara dates back to the 5th century BC. 2. The decorated stones found from Nara suggest a high level of craftsmanship and artistry that was likely used in the construction of other megalithic monuments. 3. The most famous megalithic monument at Nara is Stonehenge, which stands as a World Heritage Site. 4. There are also many cairns and other earthen monuments at Nara, many of which have been dated to around the fourth millennium BC. 5. The ancient monuments of Nara have been used as part of archaeological research into the origins of megalithic and neolithic cultures in Ireland. 6. It is believed that Nara was an important spiritual site in prehistoric Ireland, as some of the structures there are believed to have been used as places of worship in ancient times. 7. The most impressive structure at Nara is the enormous Giant's Ring, which is estimated to have been constructed between 3300 and 2800 BC. 8. Some of the stones in this monument weigh up to 10 tonnes and there are many concrete slabs to suggest that it was used for ceremonial purposes. 9. Excavations at Nara have revealed evidence of prehistoric art, from decorated stones to abstract artwork such as the spirals and labyrinths found on many of the ancient monuments. 10. Nara is one of the few megalithic sites in the world that is still visible today and provides a wealth of information to archaeologists and historians looking to uncover the secrets of Ireland’s distant past. One of the historical monuments of Ireland, it tells the story of a bygone era