The Hill of Tlachtga (aka the Hill of Ward) in County Meath, Ireland, was an important ritual site for ancient Celtic druids. Tlachtga shares its name with a druidess from Irish folklore.
For centuries, on the evening of October 31 each year, all Irish households would extinguish their fires before sunset. Druids would gather at the Hill of Tlachtga to light a great bonfire.
This “sacred flame” would then be transported to the more famous site at the Hill of Tara, 13 miles away, and the seat of ancient Ireland’s High Kings. With this fire lit, Irish households would light their fires again to symbolize warmth and safety for the coming harsh winter.
Ancient Samhain festivals also involved feasts, ritual sacrifice, food offerings for the gods, and communing with the dead.
Take a look at a modern-day Samhain celebration at the legendary Hill of Tlachtga.