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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

Queen Maebh - mug
  • Queen Maebh - mug
  • Queen Maebh - mug
SKU MG39
€10.00

Queen Maebh

Queen Maebh is one of our foremost female figures in Irish mythology, playing a lead role in the Táin Bó Cúailgne (Cattle raid of Cooley), where she led her army to fight the men of Ulster and another famous character of Irish folklore, Cúchulainn. According to tradition, she is buried in a large cairn on top of Knocknarea in Co. Sligo, standing upright in full armour and facing her enemies in the North. In this image, I have portrayed her battle ready as we watch the sun setting behind her mountain of Knocknarea.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna