Ancient Celebrations – Part 14 – Lughnasadh vs Lammas

Whenever you see the Wheel of the Year, Samhain, Imbolc and Beltane are clearly marked. However, for some peculiar reason the ancient Irish celebration of Lughnasadh is usurped with Lammas. Lughnasadh is established in Celtic Mythology and our article on Áenach Tailteann and Lughnasadh establishes that it was set up by Lugh to honour his

Na Slíabhte a thrasnaíonn ár gCosáin sa saol

The Mountains that cross our Paths in life. “There are 100 ways to accomplish your goal. Chose one and attain your dream.” Sara McFadden, Irish Visually Impaired Rally Navigator. Slíabh a haon. Last year, I stopped at an area outside Kenmare just before the Cork/Kerry border at Cath’s Pass called ‘Druid’s View’ when I was

Suíochán Ceannais na Ard Rí Mumhan: Ceacht Staire (Carrig an Pádraig)

The Seat of the Kings of Munster: A History (Rock of Cashel) In a previous post I mentioned passing St. Declan’s Way while cycling in county Waterford. This is a Pilgrimage Trial that extends from the coastal town of Ardmore in county Waterford to the Rock of Cashel in county Tipperary. Typical of Ireland, it

Seoda Ársa Iarthar Chontae Phort Láirge

Ancient Treasures of West County Waterford I have already shown you a picture of a map of East Cork/West Waterford with heritage sites mapped out, that I received last Bealtaine in the post Imrama agus Imbas ag an Bealtaine – Home | Order of Celtic Wolves (wordpress.com). Last year, I went on a holiday to

Ancient Celebrations – Part 13 – Midsummer Traditions

The exact dates of Midsummer festivals vary among different cultures, but is primarily held close to the summer solstice. The celebration predates Christianity, and has existed under different names and traditions around the world. St. John’s Day Although we all know that the birth of Jesus is celebrated on December 25th to tie in with

Imrama agus Imbas ag an Bealtaine

I gCuimhne Tadgh Jonathon. Suaimhneas síoraí. Senbecc grandson of Ebrecc, from the sídhe, came from the plain of Segais seeking imbas, and Cú Chulainn encountered him on the River Boyne. Cú Chulainn captured him, and he explained that he had come looking for the fruit of the nuts of a fair-bearing hazel. There are nine

The Celtic Diet – Part 7 – Beltane

Continuing with our series on Celtic Diet, here’s a couple of recipes for Beltane. Beltane Bannock Beltane Bannock is an oatcake, made and eaten on Beltane morning to ensure the health of crops and your herds. An old folk magic ritual was performed where the bannock is separated into nine ‘knobs’, each one dedicated to

Ancient Celebrations – Part 12 – Beltane and May Day

Bel from whom Beltane receives its name is also known as Belenus and is one of the most widely worshipped Celtic deities. He is a sun god known as “The Shining God”. Like the Norse Sol he was thought to ride the sun across the sky in a horse drawn chariot. In the 3rd century,

Lasair naofa lá feile na Bealtaine agus Uisneach

The Sacred Flame of Bealtaine and Uisneach When the sun begins to rise on this morning a flame will be lit signaling the beginning of Summer and blessing the fertility of the upcoming harvestide…… The Bealtaine Festival was often the first chance for neighbouring tuatha to greet each other after the long winter months and

Anseo déanaimid cuardach agus seasamh os comhair clocha móra ár sinsear.

Here we seek and stand before the giant ancestral stones. As gaeilge: Na Dhia agaibh go léir, Níl a fhios agam cén fáth ach inné bhí sé i mo cheann ag rothaíocht suas go dtí seanchlocha ár sinsir i gCorcaigh Thuaidh. Chuaigh mé ar rothar ó mo theach sa Chathair Thuaidh ag dul thar chaisleán