As we moved from our homeland to the North West of Ireland so fears gradually grew, where would I find solitude when I need peace...
I need not have worried. The North West of Ireland is a megalith dreamscape.
These sites offer a sanctuary away from the stresses of every day life.
If you should come to Ireland try to visit Leacht Con Mac Ruis near Sligo, named Deerpark by the locals. I first visited this site 4 years ago and as I write this I close my eyes and return to a place deep inside that I keep soley for myself...I thank the Ancients for their gift.
Caldragh Idol
On Lough Erne lies Boa Island. On this island is an ancient burial ground.
Here sits the Caldragh Idol. This figure faces both forward and back symbolising a dominance over the past and future. It may represent a Celtic deity similar to the Janus, the mythological Roman God of Passage.
Also in the Burial ground is another similar smaller figure which originally came from Lustymore Island, also on Lough Erne.
Leacht Con Mac Ruis
The Irish Stonehenge is hidden inside a forest of fir trees high upon a hillside overlooking the town of Sligo. Leacht Con Mac Ruis is one of the most spectacular court tombs in Ireland.
Legend tells how one night the keeper of the stones, a giant, was awoken by human intruders. In his wrath, he fractured the capstone with his fist sending the mortals fleeing back into the night.
Newgrange
The home of the mythological hero Aonghus Óg is situated in the Boyne Valley.
Now totally restored to what archaeologists think was the original structure, Newgrange stands head and shoulders above all megalithic sites not only in Ireland, but probably throughout Europe.
Once past the impressively carved entrance stone you are led through a narrow passageway into the centre of the mound. Whilst here there is a feeling of peace and safety; a certain ambience that makes you feel that whatever Newgrange was built for it was certainly very important.
Hill of Uisneach
Here stands Aill na Mirenn; The Stone of Divisions, which marks the centre of Ireland.
The hill is the site of King Tuathal Teachtmhair of Connaughts great palaces.
The hill was venerated sacred in ancient times as home to one of the great festivals of Ireland; Beltaine, when the chieftains of Connaught brought cattle and horses to the King in homage.
The ceremonies incorporated the lighting of large bonfires and chanting incantations for the safeguard of the animals. The festival is still honoured to this day throughout the land on the full moon before May 1st.
Labby Rock
The fabled grave of Nuada of the Silver Hand, King of the Túatha dé Danaan, who led his armies to victory over the Fir Bolg at the nearby Battle of Moytura.
The magical dé Danaan ruled over Ireland for many years but were finally defeated by the Milesians at Teltown, who drove them underground where they still live to this day in the caves, fairy forts and megalithic sites throughout the country.
Carrowmore
At the summit of Knocknarea Mountain you will find the tomb of Queen Maeve of Connaught.
In her shadow lies the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland. Here on the north west coast there are over sixty tombs that pre-date Newgrange by at least five centuries.
Wander among the many passage graves, dolmens and cairns and you can almost touch the ether of time that surrounds you.
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All The artwork on this site is owned by Sara Mc Murray-Day This site was designed by Celtic Moon Design with the invaluable help of Christina Brundage All text is the opinion of the author and may not be of the same idea as others Live life freely without prejudice. Please contact us if you would like to own the artwork on this site. |
