Tullyhogue Fort, Medieval inauguration site near Cookstown, Northern Ireland
Tullyhogue Fort is a medieval fort consisting of a circular earthwork on a hilltop, enclosed by high banks. Archaeological excavations have revealed foundations of residential structures that once contained central hearths and thatched roofs.
The fort served as the coronation site for the O'Neill kings of Ulster until 1602, when an English army captured and destroyed it. The attack marked the end of a long era of local rule in this region.
The site held ritual ceremonies where local families gathered for important transitions of power. These events tied together the region's social bonds and leadership customs.
The site sits on a hill and is easy to spot from the surrounding fields. Visitors can climb the banks and explore the entire layout from an elevated viewpoint.
A special stone made of four slabs served as the royal seat during ceremonies and was destroyed in the early 1600s. This stone was the physical centre of every power transfer that took place here.
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