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.
Every winter solstice, the rising sun shines through the roof box in Newgrange, a tomb dating from approx 5200 years ago in
County Meath, Ireland. Here we see the light of dawn lighting the passage, as the ancestors of the millennia watch with reverence.
Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna
