Rath Meave, Henge in County Meath, Ireland

Rath Meave is a henge: a roughly circular earthen bank and ditch about 700 metres around, enclosing some 4 hectares in the Tara-Skryne Valley, 1.3 km south of the Hill of Tara. A gap on the north side of the bank is taken to be the entrance, and it faces the Mound of the Hostages.

Rath Meave dates to the fourth phase of Tara's construction, in the early Bronze Age (c. 2000–1500 BC), around the same time the Mound of the Hostages was used for burials. Its bank has a cut on the north side, presumably the entrance, aligned with that older mound.

Rath Meave is named after Medb Lethderg, a sovereignty goddess said in Irish legend to have been wife or lover of nine successive Kings of Tara. Her link to Medb of Cruachan, the Connacht queen, is uncertain: they may be the same figure or one inspired the other. The name Medb means "intoxicator" and is cognate with "mead", pointing to alcohol used in ceremonies joining king and goddess.

Rath Meave lies in open farmland 1.3 km south of the Hill of Tara and 3.4 km east of Kilmessan, reached by minor roads and field tracks. The bank is about 700 m around and the ground uneven, so sturdy footwear helps. The presumed entrance is the cut on the north side, aligned with the Mound of the Hostages.

The name Medb means "intoxicator" and relates to mead, revealing details about the ceremonial practices and celebrations that took place here. This linguistic connection offers insight into how ancient communities used ritual beverages in their sacred gatherings.