The Hill of Ward is the site of an Iron Age earthen ringfort, which was in later times associated with the Kings of Mide and of Munster.

The hill featured in Irish tales of Tlachtga and her father Mug Ruith, who was said to have ridden his flying machine roth rámach over it.

In 1168 High King Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair held a massive gathering at the site.

According to Giraldus Cambrensis in 1172 Tigernán Ua Ruairc King of Bréifne was killed there at a parley with Norman invaders.

The hill got its English name from a landowner, Ward, who had been evicted from his land during the invasion of Oliver Cromwell in 1649.