Hill of Uisneach
The Hill of Uisneach or Ushnagh (Irish: Uisneach or Cnoc Uisnigh) is a hill and ancient ceremonial site in the barony of Rathconrath in County Westmeath, Ireland. It is a protected national monument. It consists of numerous monuments and earthworks—prehistoric and medieval—including a probable megalithic tomb, burial mounds, enclosures, standing stones, holy wells and a medieval road. Uisneach is near the geographical centre of Ireland, and in Irish mythology it is deemed to be the symbolic and sacred centre of the island. 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.
Irish: Uisneach; Cnoc Uisnigh | |
Information sign | |
Shown within island of Ireland | |
| Alternative name | Ushnagh (anglicisation) |
|---|---|
| Location | County Westmeath, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53.490°N 7.562°W |
| Type | Ancient ceremonial site |
| Height | 182 metres (597 ft) |
| History | |
| Periods | Iron Age–Middle Ages |
| Cultures | Gaelic |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | Yes |
National monument of Ireland | |
| Official name | Ushnagh Hill, Catstone |
| Reference no. | 155 |
The summit is 182 metres (597 ft) above sea level and lies north of the R390 road, 8 km east of the village of Ballymore and beside the village of Loughnavalley. The hill occupies parts of four adjacent townlands: Ushnagh Hill, Mweelra, Rathnew, and Kellybrook.