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Loughcrew Equinox

The Loughcrew cairns, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland, are approximately 5,400 years old (Older than the pyramids of Egypt). Each Spring and Autumn Equinox the rising sun lights the passage chamber of Cairn T, the rays hitting the highly decorated back stone.

Many stories are connected to this prehistoric site including that of the Cailleach or witch/goddess. According to the Legend, the Loughcrew cairns were formed by the Cailleach throwing rocks from her apron, jumping from hill to hill. It is said that she tripped and died and is buried on Patrickstown, one of the hills. The area, known today as Sliabh na Caillí or Mountain of the Witch, reflects this age-old story.

 

 

 

The Art of Irish Lore

Christmas - Loughcrew - card
  • Christmas - Loughcrew - card
  • Christmas - Loughcrew - card
  • Christmas - Loughcrew - card
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€3.50
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Loughcrew Christmas

The snow lies on the landscape on north Meath, the home of the Loughcrew hills (Sliabh na Cailligh) and the cairns of the Cailleach. The main cairn, Cairn T (c.5,500 years old),overlooks the rolling landscape and stone walled fields,unique to this part of Meath. Robins are always associated with Christmas and are a common garden bird in Ireland and Holly is abundant in the forests, such as Deerpark, in Virginia, a short trip from these hills.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna