³⁶Murphy, Denis, and Thomas J. Westropp. "Notes on the Antiquities of Tara (Teamhair Na Rig)." The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, vol. 4, no. 3, 1894, p. 238.

From this 1894 text: "Our ancient books enable us to form a vivid picture of this building in its palmy days. The long room stretched down the slope for 300 feet; along each side were double rows of seats and tables, while in the middle space stood vats of liquor, lamps, and huge fires at which were numerous attendants cooking. We actually possess a little ancient sketch of one of these standing open-mouthed, with the meat on a spit. Every person had a portion of meat according to his rank, the claims being strictly regulated. Some, at any rate, of the drinking-vessels were of gold and silver, enriched with red stones or perhaps enamel. At the southern and highest end sat the king and chiefs. Cormac Ulfada, who was Ardrigh a.d. 213, is described with his long, slightly curled fair hair. He was clad in a white tunic, with a full collar embroidered with gold; over this a crimson cloak, with jewelled clasps and a gold torque. He bore a red buckler with silver clasps and golden figures of animals and stars. Lower down sat the other courtiers, bards, doctors, historians, "druids or augurs," down to the rabble of 150 cooks, waiters, jugglers, jesters, and doorkeepers. There was, doubtless, abundance of barbaric splendour in personal adornment, lavish, if rude, hospitality, noisy mirth and the more intellectual pleasures of music, song, recitations, and chess."