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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

Will o’ the Wisp - card
  • Will o’ the Wisp - card
  • Will o’ the Wisp - card
SKU GC18
€3.50

Will o’ the Wisp

In Irish folklore, Stingy Jack was a mean individual who tricked the devil and in the end was forced to wander the earth as a lost soul with only a burning coal to light his way which he kept in a carved out turnip. It was from this story that the idea of Pumpkin carving at Halloween (Samhain) originated as in Ireland turnips rather than pumpkins were used. Many people also believed that he was the Will o’ the Wisp, the mysterious lights that glow on the bogs and marshland and may lead travellers to their doom.