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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 Mound of the Hostages (Duma na nGiall) - mug
  • The Mound of the Hostages (Duma na nGiall) - mug
  • The Mound of the Hostages (Duma na nGiall) - mug
SKU MG41
€10.00

The Mound of the Hostages (Duma na nGiall)

The Mound of the Hostages is the oldest monument on the royal Hill of Tara (Co. Meath) that we can see today. Like Newgrange at Brú na Bóinne and the cairns of Loughcrew, it dates from the Neolithic period (c.5000 years old), and is similarly aligned to the movements of the sun. On the feast of Imbolc (beginning of February) and Samhain (originally just after Halloween), the rising sun enters the Chamber, lighting up the passage, a testament to the ingenuity of this ancient civilisation. 

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna