Tlachtga Celtic Fire Festival Author:John Gilroy Lying just twelve miles from Tara, the ancient ritual site of Tlachtga was the centre of Celtic religious worship, over two thousand years ago. It has been overshadowed by its famous neighbour, and has not received the attention it merits as a place of importance in its own right. — This was the centre of the Great Fire Festival that signalled th... more »e onset of winter. The rituals and ceremonies carried out here by the pre-Christian Irish, offered assurances to the people that the powers of darkness would be overcome, and the powers of light and life would, once again, be in the ascendancy. This was the place where the Celtic sungod was celebrated at the year's end.
Many of the traditions, which originated at Tlachtga, have come down to us today in disguised, but recognisable form. No understanding of the ritual and political significance of Tara can be gained without an appreciation of the importance of Tlachtga in the religious life of the pre-Christian Irish.
Published by Pikefield Publications, 9 Hazelwood Court, Glanmire, Co. Cork in October 2000.« less