The Discovery Programme (along with the Mícheál Ó Cléirigh Institute at UCD) is co-sponsoring a conference on the above subject (a research theme which the Discovery Programme has been pursuing since its inception) organised by the Dept of Archaeology at NUI Galway: 12-14 June. The conference which will be held partly in Galway and partly in Roscommon is not open to the public but is confined to specialists.  It plans to showcase recent studies of sites associated with ancient Irish kingship such as: Rathcroghan, Tara, Uisneach, Cashel, Cornashee (Fermanagh), Cruachan Dromma Lighean (Donegal) as well as other sites in Ireland and abroad.  Additional themes such as the nature and rituals of kingship in Ireland and internationally will also be examined.  In addition to co-sponsoring the conference, five members of the current staff of the Discovery Programme and three former members of staff will be contributing papers.