The fourth annual Feis Teamhra: A Turn at Tara, which features readings and performances by internationally-recognized Irish writers and musicians, will be held between 3 and 5 o'clock on Sunday August 28th 2011 on the Hill of Tara itself. Those taking part this year are Aidan Brennan, Peter Fallon, Laoise Kelly, Susan McKeown, Paul Murray and a surprise musical guest who just happens to be one of Ireland's greatest singer-songwriters. The MC for the event is Paul Muldoon.

While the Hill of Tara has in recent years become a contested spot, the note the organizers hope to strike is not one of confrontation but celebration. Feis Teamhra: A Turn at Tara is a celebration of the continuity of the linked traditions of Irish writing and music, traditions that have almost certainly flourished here since at least 2000 BC.


We're delighted to welcome Paul Murray, the Dublin-based author of An Evening of Long Goodbyes (2003), which was shortlisted for the Whitbread First Novel Award, and Skippy Dies (2010), a book quite accurately described by the New York Times as “extravagantly entertaining.” The New Yorker, meanwhile, praised its “remarkable dialogue, which captures the free-associative, sex-obsessed energy of teenage conversation in all its coarse, riffing brilliance.” Skippy Dies, a book that's reminiscent of A Portrait on peyote, was shortlisted for the Costa Prize, the National Book Critics' Circle Prize and the Irish Book Award.

We also extend a particular welcome to the Meath-based poet and publisher Peter Fallon, who is celebrated for the unfussy but nonetheless fusillading nature of his poems. They speak softly but carry a big stick, one cut from a local hedge. Some of Peter Fallon's best work is to be found in News of the World: Selected and New Poems (1998) and his translations of The Georgics of Virgil (2004/2006). A member of Aosdana, Peter Fallon received the 1993 O'Shaughnessy Poetry Award from the Irish American Cultural Institute.

The musical component of Feis Teamhra: A Turn at Tara is curated by Susan McKeown, the Dublin-born, New York-based, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter. Susan McKeown released her seventh solo album, Singing in the Dark, in October 2010. In addition to her career as a solo artist, Susan McKeown's heart-felt, heart-breaking singing has led her to work with, among others, Natalie Merchant, Linda Thompson, Pete Seeger, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Billy Bragg, Arlo Guthrie, and the Klezmatics.

Among the other musicians featured this year are Aidan Brennan and Laoise Kelly. Aidan Brennan is an inspired guitarist who has worked not only with Susan McKeown (Sweet Liberty, 2004), but Kevin Burke (Kevin Burke in Concert, 1999) and Loreena McKennitt (Book of Secrets, 1997, and Midwinter Night's Dream, 2008). Born in Dublin, Aidan Brennan now lives in Laois.

Laoise Kelly, generally considered to be the foremost Irish harper, lives in her native Mayo. The Irish Times has described her as "a young harpist with the disposition of an iconoclast and the talent and technique of a virtuoso." In addition to her own CD (Just Harp, 2000), Laoise Kelly has worked with Sharon Shannon, The Chieftains, Natalie MacMaster, Sinead O'Connor and Kate Bush.

The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara, located in County Meath, Ireland, holds immense significance as a sacred and historical site in Irish folklore, mythology, and archaeology.

The Hill of Tara has been a central focal point in Irish history for millennia, serving as the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. It is steeped in mythology, particularly associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, ancient supernatural beings in Irish folklore. Tara was believed to be the inauguration site of the High Kings, where rituals and ceremonies were conducted to mark their ascension to power.

The Mound of the Hostages

This Neolithic passage tomb dates back to approximately 3,000 BCE, making it the oldest structure on the Hill of Tara. It is contemporary with passages tombs at the bend of the Boyne, namely Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.

The Lia Fáil

The Lia Fáil also known as the Stone of Destiny is located on the Inauguration Mound (also known as the Forrad), the Lia Fáil is a standing stone believed to have magical properties. According to legend, the stone would roar when the rightful king touched it, affirming his legitimacy to rule.

Rath of the Synods

This circular earthwork enclosure is named as a meeting place for early Christian synods and assemblies during the medieval period however the monument is much older. It consists of two concentric banks and ditches, suggesting its significance as a ceremonial site.

Teach Chormaic

Teach Chormaic also known as Cormac's House is traditionally associated with Cormac mac Airt, a legendary High King of Ireland,

Ráith na Ríogh

Ráith na Ríogh also known as the Royal Enclosure is a large circular earthen bank and ditch, it is believed to have been the political and ceremonial heart of Tara during its peak as the seat of the High Kings. It contains several earthworks and structures, including the Mound of the Hostages and the Forrad.

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now