The Hill of Uisneach was the ancient seat of the Kings of Meath.  Uisneach has also been famous as a meeting place in pre-history, as a place of cattle rituals and other 'May Day' assemblies.

In Celtic times the Druids were said to have built two great fires between which all the cattle were driven to ensure their health and well being for the coming year.  From the sacred fire at Uisneach, all the fires of Ireland were relit for the coming year.

The hill is said to be the centre of Ireland and it is held to be the burial site of Eriu, one of Ireland's Goddesses, from whom Erin was named.  She is said to lie beneath the Cat Stone on the South of the Western slope.  Uisneach, being at the centre was part of the fifth province, called 'Midhe' from which the county of Westmeath gets its name.