Relignaree, located in the Rathcroghan archaeological complex, is an intriguing site that has given rise to much speculation and study. This large circular enclosure, 100 metres in diameter, is believed to be the burial place of the great Kings of Ireland who ruled Rathcroghan from the Iron Age until a few years before the island was evangelized. Considered a major historical site, Relignaree is one of Ireland’s historic treasures. A place to discover for history buffs!
The exact date of Relignaree’s creation is unclear. However, the site’s features, such as the circular enclosures and underground passageway, suggest that the main use of the site was as early as the Iron Age, at the time of the Celtic Invasions in Ireland.
At that time, the site was part of Rathcroghan, a huge royal “complex” that housed the high kings of the island of Ireland. This site brought together kings, nobles and peasants to form a kind of ancient city.
The Relignaree site was used as a burial ground for the kings of the time. According to researchers, the site was used for burial from the Iron Age to the early medieval period.
The name “Relignaree”, or “Reilig na Rí” in Irish, meaning “the cemetery of kings”, was recorded in the 18th century, but this designation could be the result of misinterpretation or local folk memory.
Rathcroghan, of which Relignaree is a part, is described as one of Ireland’s three pagan cemeteries. It is said to be one of the most important on the island of Ireland in terms of Iron Age burial and funerary practices.
However, excavations from 1911 to Relignaree revealed no evidence of human burials, casting doubt on its use for funerary purposes… Since then, researchers have clashed on the subject, provoking regular debates within archaeological institutions.
Relignaree, located in the Rathcroghan complex, is a notable archaeological site characterized by a large circular enclosure with an internal diameter of 100 meters.
A later system of fields crosses the entire site, dividing it into four unequal quarters.
Inside the enclosure are traces of a smaller concentric enclosure, as well as three rectangular houses, suggesting that the site was inhabited in addition to hosting the supposed royal burials.
Today, the place is rather unrecognizable. The structure has been largely covered by earth and grass. Nonetheless, an aerial view of the site reveals a circular structure, with the stones arranged here and there.
The site can be visited: you’ll need to request a guided tour from the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre…
Although Relignaree is shrouded in mystery, you’ll be treated to fascinating explanations of the excavations carried out on site, the discoveries made and the (sometimes contradictory) conclusions drawn by the researchers.
In any case, the site is fascinating. It takes you to the heart of the Gaels’ way of life and Celtic culture, with a complex social system that was particularly advanced for its time, between pagan traditions and highly codified laws.
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