Hill of Tara Sacred Spring, Co. Meath, Leinster, Ireland

## Overview The Hill of Tara Sacred Spring is a natural water source nestled in the townland of Castleboy, Co. Meath, in Ireland's Leinster province. Situated along the approach to the legendary Hill of Tara — one of Ireland's most important archaeological and mythological sites — this spring carries a deep sense of place and history. The Hill of Tara (Teamhair na Rí) served as the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland for millennia, and sacred wells and springs in its vicinity have long held spiritual and practical significance in Irish culture. Holy wells and natural springs throughout the Boyne Valley region have been venerated since pre-Christian times, and this spring continues that tradition as a living water source still used by the local community. The spring flows continuously year-round, producing clear water regardless of the season. It is enclosed within a small building constructed of bricks and stones, and the surrounding premises are protected by an iron gate. A short pathway leads from the gate to the spring house itself. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by residents of nearby towns, who visit regularly to fill containers for both drinking and domestic use. The water is available to the public 24 hours a day, free of charge. **Note:** While visitors have long reported the water to be clean and suitable for drinking, and local residents have relied on it for generations, water quality can vary over time. No independent lab results are currently available for this spring. ## Directions The spring is located at GPS coordinates **53.581379, –6.608924**, in the townland of Castleboy, Co. Meath, Ireland — on the road approaching the Hill of Tara. **Coming from Dublin:** 1. Head northwest on the **R147** (old N3 road) toward Navan. 2. Join the **M3 motorway** and continue for approximately **27 km (16.9 miles)**. 3. Exit the M3 and take a **left turn toward Roschoill** (signposted). 4. Continue straight for about **2.3 km (1.4 miles)**. 5. The spring will appear on your **right-hand side**. Look for a distinctive **iron gate** and a small **brick-and-stone building** set back from the road. 6. Enter through the gate and follow the short pathway to reach the spring house. If you're unsure, ask locally for directions to the Hill of Tara — the spring is located along the same approach road, and the ancient royal archaeological complex on the hilltop is visible from the spring site. ## What to Expect The spring is housed inside a modest stone-and-brick structure that keeps the water source protected from the elements and livestock. After passing through the iron gate, a short paved pathway leads directly to the spring. The flow is strong enough to fill containers within minutes, making it a practical stop for those collecting water. The surrounding area is rural and sparsely populated, with open green fields and pastoral farmland typical of the Boyne Valley. From the spring site, you can see the gentle rise of the **Hill of Tara** and its ancient earthworks — including the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), the Mound of the Hostages, and the Royal Enclosure — making this a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting the archaeological complex. The spring is accessible year-round and there is no fee or restriction on the amount of water you may collect. There are no formal facilities (restrooms, parking lots) at the spring itself, but the nearby Hill of Tara Visitor Centre (open seasonally) offers parking, interpretive exhibits, and guided tours of the hilltop monuments. The area is best explored on foot, and the spring makes a natural complement to a walk around one of Ireland's most storied landscapes.