Hi Teru,

I don't know any *facts* about it but what I have heard, and vaguely remember, is that Tara was known as "The Seat of Kings", that is it was the royal court for Irish kings, and then the Irish royalty or social structure surrounding that was broken down (presumably by English invasions etc) and so Tara Castle and the surrounding settlements went to ruin.

So the song is a sad lament for the loss of the old culture, society, way of life and Irish independence/autonomy.

Please, someone else, correct me if I'm wrong.

Truly a beautiful tune and words. I learnt to sing & play it in primary (elementary) school.

Helen, in Oz