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.
Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas.
Size: 24" x 20"
Based on a smaller coloured pencil drawing, this tells the story of the mythological Goddess Clodhna and how her love of a human, Ciabhán, led to her drowning off the west coast of Ireland. Her name is still remembered in Glandore in West Cork, where a powerful wave that smashes against the rocks, is know as Cliodhna’s wave.
