The High Man is a truly astonishing discovery, which has an as yet unclear message for us.

It is the giant figure of a warrior, or hero, or god, made up of ancient roads in one of the richest historical and mythical areas of Ireland.

The timing of this amazing revelation is extraordinary given its cosmic symbolism and the importance of such symbolism in Ireland since the very earliest times.

The High Man figure, which is a geoglyph or an anthropomorphic design, was discovered by artist Richard Moore in 1999, who soon introduced it to his companion and research colleague, Anthony Murphy. Both have spent a decade trying to unravel its secrets, and have reached some astonishing conclusions.

Whether or not it was intentionally designed and put in place by people, the High Man figure resonates with much of the mythology of the area in which it is located, and carries a very important cosmic significance. Apparently representing the Orion constellation, the High Man has his feet in the Boyne River, mimicking the great warrior hero of the Táin Bó Cuailnge, Cúchulainn.

Another important mythical figure perhaps represented by the High Man is Amergin, leader of the Milesian invasion of Ireland, which landed at the Boyne Estuary. Amergin, known as "Bright Knee", put his foot on the shore of the Boyne roughly where the giant figure's leg enters the river. The star which marks Orion's knee is today known as Rigel, which is Arabic for "Bright Knee".

In total, over 50 correlations have been made between The High Man and the myths, landscape, placenames, monuments and cosmology of the area. Most of these are documented in the acclaimed book

'Island of the Setting Sun - In Search of Ireland's Ancient Astronomers', which is now a second edition and continuing to sell well.

On your tour you will also have the experience of visiting those out of the way places that are not on the main tourist routes.

You will learn about famous artists, poets, musicians, sculptors and sports people that lived in and were associated with the area of The High Man.

With it's first class manor houses, hotels and guest houses, there is no better place to have a relaxing break.

We can also organize your accommodation and when your day tours are over, there is a host of local amenities to keep you busy.

Within a ten minute drive there are many golf courses, race courses, riding schools, swimming pools, sport centres, theatres, shopping centres, restaurants and traditional pubs.

Nature trails and forest parks are quiet popular as picnic areas and a packed lunch can easily be arranged for those visitors who would prefer to dine out.

Bettystown beach or Clogherhead Pier are only a short distance away and an evening walk there is an ideal way to finish off your day.

Why don't you visit our photo gallery  and see what this area has to offer?

The scenes here are all within  easy reach and from the two furthest points it's only a twenty minute drive and most can be visited on your tour, depending on the time of year as some are seasonal attractions only.

We have also listed some good hotels, restaurants and bars which are close by and are highly recommended by us.

All the photographs in the Ardill album can be purchased by visiting Robert and Cathy's website plus more fascinating  pictures from around Ireland. 

 www.slanetourism.com