ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the modern and contemporary aspects of the cultural and symbolic significance of the hill of Uisneach, co. Westmeath, Ireland. First, the influence of the hill on the Gaelic Revival of the early 20th century in Ireland is analyzed. The manuscripts from the National Folklore Collection of University College Dublin are then used to catch a glimpse of the local superstitions and traditions held on or around the hill of Uisneach in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in connection with the Gaelic/Celtic festival of Bealtaine in early May. Finally, the importance of the hill in the contemporary world is analyzed: today, a Fire Festival is held yearly in early May, still in connection with the festival of Bealtaine. Pagan or pseudo-Pagan groups hold the hill in high esteem and gather on Uisneach on a regular basis; interestingly enough, Michael D. Higgins, the president of Ireland, took part in the ceremony of the Fire Festival on 6 May 2017 and lit the fire of Uisneach. Onsite original fieldwork was conducted between 2017 and 2019 for this study and constitutes an important primary source of information.
