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Nemeton: Sacrd Space

by: Tadhg MacCrossan

A clearing marked off for ritual was called a nemeton in Gaulish. It’s shape was usually either square or rectangular, but sometimes round. The square or rectangle represented the heavens. Round nemetons represented the earth and the manifested realm, and were used for royal inaugurations. The ancient nemeton of Emhain Macha (Ardmacha) was unearthed at Navan Fort in Armagh. The trunk in the center showed signs that animal blood had been offered on it. Scholars have speculated that this may well have been the famous Craebh Ruadh,  or "Red Branch" used in reference to the Ulster heroes under King Conchobhar Mac Nessa. The Red Branch was the emblem of Ulster, of the Ulaid (Uoluntioi) at this time in ancient Ireland.