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.
One of the most famous of Irish legends, the Children of Lir, tells the story of the four children of King LIr, turned into swans by Aoife. For 900 years they remain in this state, 300 of those on Lake Derravaragh, near Castlepollard in County Westmeath. Perhaps if we look closely, we can still see the reminders of that ancient story on the shores of this beautiful midland lake.
