Tara
Hill
Tara Hill boasts the most fantastic views - the whole coast
beyond Courtown can be seen from here. Saint Kevin's is the
small and lovely church in the village, popular for weddings
as it has a charm all of its own.Tara Hill is a dominant feature
of the district. |
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The views which are obtained on the way to the summit marked by
a cairn- is unsurpassed, affording as it does an exquisite panorama
of sea and land.
Saint
Caemhan or Kevin or Cavan, as the name is variously spelt is the
Patron Saint of Tara Hill. His commemoration day is 12th June.
The site of the old church which was founded by him may be seen
at Kilcavan, beside the Public Road, at the north side of the
hill under a cliff.
Tara
Hill (833 feet) is over 400 million years old and was formed from
molten rock. It is a blue/grey colour and is very hard. During
the Ice Age the hill was buried under a huge sheet of ice. This
gave it its rounded appearance. The soil on the upper parts is
shallow and acidic.
Heather
and furze are the natural vegetation. Furze was invaluable to
the hill dwellers in times past as they relied on it for fuel.
It was also used in small bundles to form a foundation for the
thatch. The Irish name for Tara Hill was Torchill. Perhaps wild
boars roamed about in oak forests in the distant past.
Today
much of the hill is planted with conifers. From the top you can
see Gorey and there are excellent views of the coast. There are
pleasant walks among the trees and if you are lucky you might
see a squirrel or even an owl.
If you enjoy walking, no trip to North Wexford would be complete
without a walk on Tara Hill.
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to Map of North Wexford Attractions
