Prehistoric Sites in Ireland.

The Hill of Uisneach, or Ushnagh, near Ballymore is traditionally regarded not only as the geographical but the spiritual centre of Ireland. On a clear day 20 of the 32 counties of Ireland may be seen from its summit which rises to 185 m (602 ft). Daniel O'Connellis said to have held one of his monster rallies there.

The hill of Uisneach is said to be the sacred site of the goddess, Eri from which Ireland gets its name, an annual festival was held in her honour each year at Bealtaine. in Geoffrey Keating's history of Ireland completed in 1634, he mentions the Fair of Uisneach

'This fair, or assembly, was held on the first day of the month of May, and they were wont to exchange or barter their cattle and other property there. They were also accustomed to make offerings to their chief god which they worshipped, named Bel; and it was a custom with them to make two fires in honour of this Bel in every Centre of Ireland, and to drive a couple of every kind of cattle in the cantred between the two fires as a preservative.'

Choosing a central point in a country seems to have been important to early Celtic civilizations, the reason was probably very practical, if the country was going to be invaded the invaders would most likely come via the rivers and up the river valleys. having your headquarters and power base in the centre of the country would give you a considerable advantage in preparedness.