Teltown Ancient Games Site and Teltown House

Overview

Teltown (Irish: Tailteann) sits on a gentle slope beside the River Blackwater, about five miles north‑west of Navan and a short drive from Kells. The 290‑acre estate combines a landscape of Iron Age earthworks, medieval church ruins and the 17th‑century Teltown House, now a boutique bed‑and‑breakfast.

History & Background

The name derives from the mythological goddess Tailtiu, foster‑mother of the war‑god Lugh. Legend says Lugh inaugurated a yearly fair on the first of August in her honour, a tradition that grew into the Óenach Tailteann – a royal assembly and games festival recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters and the Annals of Inisfallen as early as the 6th century. Kings presided over the games until 1168, when Rory O’Connor held the last recorded fair.

Archaeologically the area is dominated by Iron Age and early medieval monuments. The Black Fort (Rathdhú) is a circular mound 112 m across and 6 m high, offering sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains, Loughcrew and, on clear days, the Hill of Tara. Adjacent lies Rath Airthir, a trivallate ring‑fort with three concentric ramparts, and the Knockauns – twin earthen banks that once formed a ceremonial cursus and were the setting for the famed “Teltown marriages”. Medieval remnants include Teltown Church and nearby Donaghpatrick Church, both originally built within early Christian circular enclosures. Folklore records a visit by St Patrick and the presence of “fairy bushes” marking otherworldly sites.

The 19th‑century bulldozing of part of the Knockauns caused damage, but recent LiDAR surveys by the Discovery Programme have remapped the surviving earthworks, a prehistoric roadway and a rock‑art outcrop dating to the second millennium BCE. The 17th‑century Teltown House was erected on this historic ground and today provides luxury accommodation while preserving the ancient ambience.

Revival of the Tailteann Games

The ancient games were revived in 1924, shortly after the Irish Civil War, as a statement of a newly independent Ireland. The opening ceremony took place in Croke Park before a crowd of around 20,000, with a reenacted queen‑procession and 11th‑century Gaelic warriors accompanied by Irish wolfhounds. Competitors arrived from Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. A second revival occurred in 1928; a third in 1932 was less successful and the modern series was abandoned. Today, the owner of Teltown House, Renee Clarke, hopes to re‑ignite the tradition, envisioning events that include high‑jumping on horseback, chariot races, river swimming and historic banqueting.

Archaeology and Sacred Sites

A pre‑Christian cemetery lies only minutes from the B&B’s back door. Headstones date from the 1700s and display distinctive carvings – a bull for cattle‑farmers, a sheep for sheep‑farmers – while a solitary military stone marks the grave of an Irish soldier of the British Army. The site also contains rock‑art panels dated to c. 2000 BC, confirmed by a team of archaeologists and geologists who visited the estate. A solitary “wishing tree” planted near the burial ground is a popular spot for children to pose for photographs and make wishes.

Traditions and Folklore

One of the most colourful customs recorded at Teltown is the “hand‑in‑marriage” ritual. A stone wall with a hole was used during the ancient Lughnasa fairs: a suitor would place his hand through the opening; if the lady liked the feel, the match proceeded to a trial marriage of a year and a day. If not, the pair would part and could try again the following summer. The practice persisted into the 19th century and is still recounted by locals.

Recent History and Protection

In May 1997 large sections of the ancient earthworks were bulldozed for agricultural expansion, prompting a national outcry. Archaeologists such as Prof George Eogan warned that the site was as important as Tara. The area is now listed as a national monument, meaning any alteration requires permission from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Ongoing LiDAR work continues to refine our understanding of the landscape.

Conservation & Protection

The 1997 bulldozing episode highlighted the vulnerability of the site. Following the incident, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs classified the earthworks as a protected national monument, enforcing strict consent procedures for any land‑use changes. Recent LiDAR surveys and archaeological monitoring have helped to safeguard the remaining features, and the estate works closely with the National Monuments Service to ensure that future work respects the site’s integrity.

Virtual Tours & Research

The Voices from the Dawn project offers two virtual‑reality panoramas of the Knockauns and Rathdhú, allowing visitors to explore the earthworks online. The site also hosts aerial photographs and a gallery of LiDAR‑derived maps that illustrate the prehistoric roadway and the rock‑art outcrop. These resources give a deeper appreciation of the landscape before a physical visit.

Events & Festivals

• Lughnasa (1 August) – The traditional harvest festival is still marked by small pagan rituals near the rock‑art site, often organised by local storytellers.
• Scurloguestown Olympiad – Held each June in nearby Trim, the torch is lit at Teltown and carried to Trim to start a relay of ancient‑style games.
• Potential Tailteann Games revival – Owner Renee Clarke is actively planning a modern re‑enactment that could feature horse‑high‑jumps, chariot races, river swimming and historic banqueting.
• Seasonal Café events – Tailtiú Coffee occasionally hosts live music and craft fairs during the spring‑autumn season.

What to See & Do

• Rathdhú (Black Fort) – climb the mound for panoramic vistas of Loughcrew, Slieve na Calliagh and Tara.
• Rath Airthir (Eastern Fort) – explore the three‑rampart ring‑fort, a striking silhouette on the horizon.
• Knockauns & Cursus – walk the remnants of the ceremonial earth banks that once guided processions.
• Medieval Churches & Burial Ground – visit the ruins of Teltown and Donaghpatrick churches and view prehistoric rock art among the gravestones.
• Fairy Trail & Queen Maeve’s Road – a gentle, well‑marked walk through ancient woodlands, offering mythic scenery and mountain outlooks.
• Tailtiú Coffee – enjoy homemade cakes, scones and hot drinks in the seasonal café set amid the old gardens (open spring to autumn; check the website for exact dates).
• Boutique B&B Amenities – three cosy reception rooms with log fires, a private jacuzzi, and a full Irish breakfast for up to ten guests.
• Group Services – chauffeur‑driven mini‑bus from the airport and seasonal car‑boot sales add convenience and local flavour.
• Special Events – themed experiences such as “Meet the Miller and Brunch” showcase regional produce and heritage.

Getting Here

Teltown is accessed via the N3 (Navan‑Kells road) with clear signposting from the main route. On‑site parking is available free of charge for guests and visitors to the gardens. A mini‑bus service runs from Dublin Airport for groups booking through the B&B. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Navan, about 8 km away, with regular services to Dublin and surrounding towns.

Visiting Tips

• Seasonal café – Tailtiú Coffee operates from spring to autumn; check the B&B’s website for exact dates.
• Best time for views – Clear days in late spring and early autumn provide the most striking vistas of the Wicklow Mountains and Hill of Tara.
• Accessibility – The Fairy Trail is suitable for most walkers, but the Black Fort mound involves a steep climb and uneven ground.
• Dog‑friendly – Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas and gardens, but not inside the B&B accommodation.
• Local events – Keep an eye on the Teltown House website for any revived Tailteann Games or cultural festivals during the summer months.
• Lughnasa celebrations – 1 August may feature small ritual gatherings near the rock‑art outcrop.

Nearby Attractions

• Bective Abbey – a well‑preserved Cistercian ruin a short drive away, offering further medieval ambience.
• Ireland’s Ancient East – explore the wider heritage landscape that includes the Boyne Valley, Trim and the historic sites of Meath. (ancient-east)
• Hill of Tara, Loughcrew passage‑tombs, Boyne River – all within easy reach for a day‑trip.
• Blackwater Aqueduct – an impressive engineering landmark nearby. (blackwater-aqueduct)

Practical Information