In ancient times man chose his sacred and ceremonial site by observing the surrounding landscape including the hills and mountains, and the solar alignments that go through them. To be able to boast a true royal sanctuary a number of key elements are essential, according to Tom.
"You have to have a big assembly area on a ceremonial site and a big platform fort. The higher your platform fort –the more genealogy the people had, that were on it. It was a symbol of aristocracy. I have a platform fort on top of Tea's Tumulus."

For Ireland's ancient ancestors their ceremonial ritual incorporated much of the countryside including the lakes, bogs, woodland and wells, hence the importance of huge biodiversity when identifying a sacred site. The largest hazel, crab and ivy trees in Ireland measured by the Tree Council of Ireland are on the site in Gabba's wood which contains 20 different species of trees with all their own ancient uses. For example the hazel rods were used for wicker work to fence in livestock.
The Butler's of Ormond planted these trees in keeping with Celtic mythology.

Locations on the four compass points also lend themselves to interesting alignments. To the south - music. "The ancient name for the Galtees was Crotta Cliach which means the harps of Cliach," Tom explains.

To the west - knowledge. "There is a huge bevy of Goddesses over there - Knock Aine - the chief one. To the north then was protection which relates to kings. To the east then was the rising sun for richness. They had to pick out certain key locations. That's why they picked out this location. You have to have solar alignment, so for Aine's feast day - January 17 the sun sinks in a line."

Further investigation of the site indicates links with both Brian Boru and Patrick Sarsfield.

In later history Brian Boru fought the Limerick Danes about four miles away from Carnahalla and Sarsfield is reputed to have stayed there before he blew up the Williamite Siege train.

With all this incredible history to boast one has to question why the site not more famous?

"The site was obviously protected by the elite including the Butlers of Ormond and the best way to protect a site is to decoy it which explains why the topography, as described in the annals, is found on this site and not on others such as Tara," Tom answers.

While for many, the details of the historic information may be heard to digest in one go, the newly built heritage centre has been designed to compliment the ancient site and Tom is always on hand, he says, to provide interpretation of the site.

The centre itself is circular in shape, and with its dry stone clad, blends in perfectly to the old structures that surround it.

Once inside, guests of up to sixty, can enjoy refreshments in the cosy cafe/restaurant, the plush interior of which was designed by Tom's wife Johann, and boasts warm burnt orange curtains, chocolate brown and cool cream leather seating - all set off by a traditional cooking stove in the centre.

The circular nature of the building meanwhile, allows for a breathtaking view of the countryside out of every window. Situated outside the rear window lies the seat of a goddess - not many pals of Tom's two's daughters, Laura 14 and Karen 7, can boast that in their back yard!

But despite all the mystique and history surrounding the site and no matter how many times Tom walks it himself, during a quiet moment he confesses he wouldn't venture down there alone at night.
"There is this eerie feeling you get when you are walking around the site. I wouldn't go down there in the night time. You'd get little shivers."

Log onto www.carnahalla.com for details on opening hours.