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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

Aos Sidhe - mug
  • Aos Sidhe - mug
  • Aos Sidhe - mug
SKU MGFC03
€10.00

The Aos Sidhe (Fairy People).

In Irish folklore, fairies are very different from the small winged creatures of the fairy tales we all know as children. Instead they are considered to be descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a God like race who lived in Ireland long ago but were beaten in battle by the Milesians and condemned to live under the ground where it is said they live to this day. Their name “Aos Sidhe” literally means “People of the mounds”. The mounds referred to are the Raths (ancient dwelling sites and forts) that dot the countryside. It is considered bad luck to interfere with these Raths or lone trees (especially Hawthorns) which are also associated with the fairies. These superstitions have served the countryside well as Ireland has many more surviving early sites than most countries in Europe as even nowadays people are loath to take a chance. Proof of this was a major by-pass road in County Clare which in the late 1990s was rerouted to avoid destroying a well-known fairy tree.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna