Sacred Spaces of Ritual,
Kingship & Culture
Sacred Places of Ritual, Kingship & Culture
The Royal Sites of Ireland are ancient centres of power, found across the island. These were places of royal inauguration and gathering, rich in history, mythology, and spiritual significance.
Follow in the footsteps of Ireland’s High Kings on the Hill of Tara
Explore where kings knelt and churches rose
Step into the stronghold of warriors and legend
Stand at the centre where Ireland’s provinces meet
Uncover tales of Queen Medb and ancient passageways
Leinster’s royal stage, alive with ceremony and rivalry
UNESCO status
The Royal Sites of Ireland are currently on Ireland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status — the first formal step toward international recognition. Inclusion on this list signals that these sites may meet the criteria for Outstanding Universal Value, a designation reserved for places that offer unique insight into the shared heritage of our humanity.
The nomination reflects the sites’ significance as ceremonial centres tied to Iron Age and early medieval kingship, belief systems, and the evolving political identity of the island. While not yet inscribed, their candidacy supports ongoing efforts to protect, interpret, and sustain these places through cross-border collaboration and long-term planning.
