The date of the construction of Tullyhogue fort is not known, however it is believed to have held great significance from early times, possessing a form of ritual importance long before the O'Neills became associated with the site.
Tullyhogue rath was originally associated with the Uí Tuirtre of Airgialla, and then
the O'Hagans between the 11th and 17th centuries. The O'Hagans would dwell
at the site and become its hereditary guardians, with their burial place at
Donaghrisk situated at the bottom of the hill. In the later medieval period it would become the inauguration site of the O'Neill dynasty, where the title "the O'Neill", was bestowed upon the new lord. The inauguration was carried out by the head's of the O'Cahan and O'Hagan. O'Cahan, the O'Neill's principal sub-chief, threw a golden sandal over the new lords head to signify good luck. O'Hagan, being the hereditary guardians of Tullyhogue, would place the shoe on O'Neills foot and present them with a rod of office.
Hugh O'Neill's inauguration in 1593 was the last of the O'Neills to take place at
Tullyhogue. The last coronation that is claimed to have taken place at Tullyhogue was that of Sir Phelim O'Neill in 1641, however it was later rejected.
Tullyhogue rath was originally associated with the Uí Tuirtre of Airgialla, and then
the O'Hagans between the 11th and 17th centuries. The O'Hagans would dwell
at the site and become its hereditary guardians, with their burial place at
Donaghrisk situated at the bottom of the hill. In the later medieval period it would become the inauguration site of the O'Neill dynasty, where the title "the O'Neill", was bestowed upon the new lord. The inauguration was carried out by the head's of the O'Cahan and O'Hagan. O'Cahan, the O'Neill's principal sub-chief, threw a golden sandal over the new lords head to signify good luck. O'Hagan, being the hereditary guardians of Tullyhogue, would place the shoe on O'Neills foot and present them with a rod of office.
Hugh O'Neill's inauguration in 1593 was the last of the O'Neills to take place at
Tullyhogue. The last coronation that is claimed to have taken place at Tullyhogue was that of Sir Phelim O'Neill in 1641, however it was later rejected.
