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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

Knowth - print
  • Knowth - print
  • Knowth - print
  • Knowth - print
  • Knowth - print
SKU A326
€15.00
* Type & Size of Print:




Knowth, the Macehead and the Cailleach Buí.

Perhaps more mysterious than her more famous sister passage grave of Newgrange, Knowth, dating from over 5000 years ago, is home to a quarter of all the Neolithic art of Western Europe. It has two passages, on opposite sides and is surrounded by 18 smaller satellite mounds. One of the most famous discoveries at Knowth, is the Macehead. Although small (7.9cm), the Macehead, made from flint, shows a remarkable level of craftsmanship made with precision tools. There are many mythical characters associated with Knowth and one of the most famous is Buí. Buí was married to the God Lugh and an earth Goddess. It is said she was a manifestation of the Caileach Beara, one of the oldest mythological figures in Irish folklore. It is also told, in one legend, that she is buried beneath the mound at Knowth. In this illustration we see the Goddess Buí, her body and being part of the landscape she protects, presenting the Macehead while in the foreground we see examples of just a few of the art on the stones at this ancient site.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna