Lia Fail

Photograph by Michael Sundermeier

This stone, known as Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny, is located at the center of the mound known as Cormac's House which is part of the royal complex at Tara (Teamhair) in Co. Meath. The High Kings of Ireland were tested by this tone, and according to tradition when the proper man was crowned, the stone cried out. This stone was at one time located on the Mound of the Hostages, a prehistoric passage grave located in the royal enclosure, but the present location seems appropriate since the "Cormac" referred to is third century a.d. King Cormac Mac Airt who established his royal seat there and gave Tara its prominence (Raftery 67; Harbison 268-69).