A POEM A DAY - THE HAG'S CHAIR



The Hag's Chair at Sliabh na Calliagh, Loughcrew in County Meath, Ireland is a kerbstone on the edge of the passage tomb known as Cairn T. This passage tomb aligns with the rising sun which enters the chamber on the Spring and Autumn equinoxes. 


This kerbstone is unlike any other on surrounding passage tombs and its significance is unknown but the subject of much myth and folklore. The hill is also known as Witch's Hill and the myth refers to the Hag, or the Cailleach Bhéarta, witch, Queen or Goddess of Earth and Sky. She is said to have created the 3 cairns around Loughcrew by dropping stones from her apron as she leaped from hill to hill in the attempt to gain great power if she managed four leaps. On her final jump she fell to her death in Patrickstown. 


It is said if you sit in the Hag's Chair she will grant you a wish. It did feel a powerful place, on the slope of the ancient tomb which still welcomes the sun, with a magnificent view over the landscape to the horizon. 



© 2019 Jacqueline Knight Cotterill.  All rights reserved. 

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