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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

The Horse - print
  • The Horse - print
  • The Horse - print
  • The Horse - print
  • The Horse - print
SKU A3AL08
€15.00
* Type & Size of Print:


Jul 8th - Aug 4th

The Horse, or Capall in Irish, is an animal with many connections to Irish folklore. We see this animal in various guises, from the mysterious Púca of the Sidhe and the malevolent Each Uisce to the magnificence of Niamh’s white horse and Aonbharr of the Sea God Manannán Mac Lir. One of the most famous of Irish mythological characters, Cúchullain, had two horses, Liath Macha and Dubh Sainglend, gifts from the Morrigan or her Macha. On the day he was mortally wounded, Liath Macha (the king of horses), was reluctant to be harnessed to the chariot but finally relented. In the ensuing battle, the second spear of Lugaid Mac Con Rí pierced the horse, the third, mortally wounded Cúchullain. It is said that initially Liath Macha returned to Linn Liaith, where Cúchullain had first been introduced to him, but on realizing that his master had been so badly injured, returned and killed many of the enemy.
The Horse July 8th – Aug 4th. Tree lore equivalent is the Holly

illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna