Tailteann Games

Early 20th-century revival of an ancient festival held at Teltown, County Meath, Republic of Ireland. Originally presided over by the Uí Néill kings of Tara, the festival observed the advent of winter and was held from 632 BC until 1169. A historical and political symbol of the kingship of Tara, the festival was promoted by both Brian Bóruma and Rory O'Connor in recognition of their high kingship of Ireland. Then, having lapsed for 755 years, the festival was revived in 1924 as the ‘Tailteann Games’ with a gathering of international athletes at Croke Park.

Held again in 1928 and 1932 as ‘Aonach Tailteann’ or ‘the festival of Teltown’, the event consisted of several athletic competitions, with games of hurling and Gaelic football as highlights. After the suspension of the games in 1932, they resumed again in 1963 and are now staged as a festival of schools athletics each summer.