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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 Fairy Tree - card
  • The Fairy Tree - card
  • The Fairy Tree - card
SKU GC11
€3.50

The Fairy Tree

Fairy trees are numerous in Ireland. A lone tree, usually though not always a Whitethorn, is often judged to be a fairy tree. According to the legend, fairy people are thought to be descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann (The people of Goddess Danu) who were defeated by the Melesians and consigned to the underworld where they became what we know today as the fairies. They inhabit fairy forts (iron age Raths) and these lone trees are also considered places of special significance in the fairy kingdom. Some of these trees are associated with ancient sites where votive offerings in the form of rags or paper, are left by people to this day. Even in this modern age of internet and globalization, these trees and forts are rarely destroyed as folklore relates many stories in which fairies take out their revenge on those who meddle in their world. The inspiration for this illustration is from the fairy tree at the foot of the 5,500-year-old Loughcrew cairns, Oldcastle, Co. Meath.