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Hidden away amidst the rolling, pastoral landscape

Hidden away amidst the rolling, pastoral landscape of County Carlow lurks a sleeping giant. A hulking, beast-like structure wrought of impossibly large stones, balanced so precisely that they have stood for over 5000 years. From a distance you could be forgiven for mistaking this huge megalith for some great mythical beast, but it’s actually the majestic Brownshill Dolmen. This imposing Neolithic structure is in possession of a granite capstone that weighs over 100 tonnes, making it one of the largest Dolmens in Europe. Supporting the capstone are two upright portal stones that sit either side of the gate stone, while the back of the monument is supported by another smaller boulder. How it was constructed so long ago remains uncertain, but the builders likely used a combination of earthen ramps, wooden rollers, and ropes to lift the stones in place. Like so many of our ancient monuments, it’s impossible to know for sure what the exact reason was for its construction. However, we can make a good guess that it was likely for burial purposes, or maybe even to show off the status of the people that had it built. Whatever the reason, it’s an absolutely amazing link between us and the people of prehistoric Ireland. One of the more peaceful sites to visit, this one is accessed by a purpose built path that leads directly to it, and there’s even a bench provided to sit and reflect for a while. When I was sick with my joints and my pregnancy earlier this year it was one of the only sites I was able to access, and it really was so healing to enjoy a quiet moment in the company of such a beautiful link to the past. I hope you’re all well my friends. Grá,
Shelly #brownshilldolmen #dolmen #portaltomb #neolithic #prehistoric #prehistoricireland #neolithicireland #ancientireland #irelandsancienteast #visitcarlow #carlow #irishhistory #irisharchaeology #archaeology #historyireland #historylovers #ancienthistory #megalith #megalithicmarvels #ancientancestors #irishancestry

The Autumn Equinox has come around to pass us once

The Autumn Equinox has come around to pass us once again my friends. For this short moment in time we stand together at the threshold between light and dark. And I hope that wherever you are you can take a moment to marvel at how wonderfully reliable the cycle of nature and the seasons are, even when our manmade world seems so chaotic. This is a painting I did last year, depicting my interpretation of a mythological story about the passage tombs of Loughcrew, where the sun illuminates the chamber of Cairn T on the mornings of the equinox. Loughcrew, also known as ‘Sliabh na Caillíghe’ (The Hill of the Witch), is a complex of Neolithic cairns that are filled with beautiful rock art and surrounded by panoramic views of the countryside. It is a place that is very dear to me, and one that I will always remember my first visit to many years ago as it truly set me on the path I currently walk. In the legendary story of Loughcrew, it says that the giant Cailleach (or witch), one of the oldest figures in Irish mythological history, had to to complete a feat of great strength in order to rule over Ireland. So with an apron full of heavy stones, she leaped from hill to hill dropping handfuls of them which scattered on the ground, forming the cairns we see today. Just as she made her final leap she fell and broke her neck, and was buried beneath the stones on the hill. Right now I’m counting down the days to the birth of my baby, so I’m sorry my presence here has been a bit sporadic of late. I hope you’re all well and able to enjoy the approach of autumn. I’ve never been so happy to see the temperature getting lower! If anyone would like a print, they are available on my website where you can view the full painting (as I had to crop it for Instagram). The link is in my bio. Equinox blessings everyone. Grá, Shelly x #autumnequinox #equinox #loughcrew #passagetomb #irishmythology #celticmythology #irishillustrator #sacredart #cailleach #cailleachbeara #witchart #paganart #neolithic #megalithic #megalithicmarvels #irishhistory #mythsandlegends #witchesofinstagram

A few weeks ago we visited lovely, historical Athl

A few weeks ago we visited lovely, historical Athlone. Normally on trips like this I like to see as much as I can on foot, but it’s not so easy at the moment as I reach the end of my pregnancy! So instead we decided to think outside the box and take a Viking themed trip up the river Shannon - and I have to say it was one of the best afternoons we’ve ever had! The captain was very knowledgeable and had a fountain on information about St. Ciarán, Clonmacnoise and the Vikings to hand. The weather was a little overcast, but you guys knows that’s how I prefer it anyway 🥰 The next day we went out to Clonmacnoise itself, and I really want to do justice to it in a post soon. We are beyond lucky to have such a wonderful, colourful, historical place to visit and I will definitely be back again someday. Hope you’re all having a wonderful weekend so far! Le grá, Shelly #vikingtoursireland #athlone #rivershannon #irishrivers #riversofireland #clonmacnoise #vikingireland #irelandshiddenheartlands #irishmidlands #irishhistory #ancientireland #wildireland #irelandtravel

Ireland in the rain. My favourite weather of all a

Ireland in the rain. My favourite weather of all and something I was very relieved to see returning after the heatwave that had us all on a slow roast recently. I find that there is nothing like an overcast, misty day to provide inspiration. And looking back on all my footage from days spent trudging around the countryside in soggy boots and a damp jacket, I realised just how deeply I love it. I’m very much looking forward to the cold, wet days spent with a warm fire, a cup of tea and a book on my lap. Long may it rain 🌧💙 #rainyireland #irishrain #rainyweather #overcast #ruins #castlesofireland #exploreireland #duckweather #agcurbáistí #irishadventure #irishroadtrip #irishweather #greyweather #romanticizeyourlife #discoverireland #visitireland #irelandtravel

Meehambee Portal Tomb An absolute treasure of a s

Meehambee Portal Tomb An absolute treasure of a site in county Roscommon that I had the privilege of visiting not so long ago. The little wooded bridal path makes for a beautiful walk, one that I imagine could only be made more lovely if it were covered in winter snow ❤️ This is a site that is clearly well loved and maintained by people in the area, the signage is great and the whole atmosphere is very peaceful and natural. I will definitely be back again someday 🥰 #dolmen #portaltomb #megalithicmarvels #meehambee #irisharchaeology #irishhistory #ancient #discoverireland #visitireland #visitroscommon #ancienthistory #mythicalireland #magicalireland #mystical

A giant Irish Bronze Age wedge tomb, guarded by th

A giant Irish Bronze Age wedge tomb, guarded by the nesting crows. This is of course the magnificent Labbacallee Wedge Tomb in County Cork. I was going back through my footage from last year and realised I had these clips! I’ll definitely be sharing more because this site absolutely blew me away. There’s great lore surrounding it and it’s associations with the ancient hag-goddess An Cailleach. And the archeological excavations that took place here revealed some really interesting findings! A fascinating and breathtaking site, well worth stopping by to see 🤎 #labbacallee #cork #wedgetomb #bronzeage #archaeology #history #ancientireland #bronzeageireland #exploreireland #mysticalireland #megalithic #megalithicmarvels

✨ International Giveaway! ✨ (Closed - Congratu

✨ International Giveaway! ✨ (Closed - Congratulations to @thebumblingpagan and @nerdontherocks 🥳) Hello my friends! Would you believe it’s been a year to the day since my last art giveaway? A complete coincidence that I’ve only noticed just now looking back over previous posts. This is to say thank you to each and every one of you for following along here and lending so much support to this little project. It’s been two and a half years now, and I’m so grateful to have you all here as I continue to learn and explore each day. If I could afford it I’d give all twenty thousand of ye a free print, because you’re all amazing, but I don’t have those kinds of resources unfortunately 😅 Instead I’m going to pick two winners this time, who can each choose from one of the following three giclée prints - Boann, An Cailleach or Brigid, printed on beautiful Hahnemühle William Turner paper. Once again, I really want to say thank you. The community of people that have gathered around the content that I share on page is one of the most vibrant and engaging that I’ve ever experienced. The conversations that we have, the knowledge that we share and the love for the subjects at hand that we all feel make me smile every day. Absolute legends the lot of ye ❤️ If you’d like to enter, simply: 1) Like and share this post 2) Follow this page 3) Tag a friend who might like to get involved! You can enter as many times as you like, and I'll pick a winner on Sunday the 1st of August. Good luck!! ☘ Disclaimer: this giveaway is in no way affiliated with Instagram or any other company. You must be over 18 to enter and happy to give me your address. #irishmythology #irishhistory #paganart #celticart #sacredart #artgiveaway #historylover #folkloreandfairytales #historynerd #irishillustrator #lughnasadh #goddessbrigid #brigid #ancailleach #cailleach #boann #druids

In recent weeks, you may have seen the news that m

In recent weeks, you may have seen the news that major change is on the horizon regarding the public access we currently enjoy to our ancient Neolithic passage tombs. I can’t say I was shocked to read about the proposed changes, rather I just felt a sense of loss and sadness. Apparently it’s due to vandalism that these restrictions are to be introduced, but it’s been a little difficult to accept that this is the only reason. In recent years there has been a surge in interest and conversation about these sites, and more than ever before the public is engaging with their significance to our history and culture. This has naturally resulted in an increase in footfall. But sadly, this positive interaction with our heritage could be seen as a target for monetisation, a move that is exclusionary towards so many. It’s for this reason that as a youngster I only made limited visits to Newgrange. A site I adore, but one that’s also the subject of debate given the reconstruction its facade underwent in the 20th century, a move which some folks feel was a sort of vandalism in itself. However, there is no denying that we absolutely need to take action now to protect these sites from damage. I‘ve seen it suggested that stationing guardians would be a good compromise, and I’m in agreement on this. I’d even suggest installing CCTV and giving fines to anyone who causes damage, if that’s what it would take to keep public access. I also think that entrance to the tombs should only be allowed if overseen by guides. The increased numbers climbing the mounds and squeezing inside them is a tragedy waiting to happen, and the safety of both tomb and visitor needs protecting. In addition, perhaps simply providing more education on the significance and age of the cairns would result in more respectful behaviour. For centuries, the folkloric fear of angering the fairies helped preserve these sites. Now as a modern society we need to rely on each other to see that they are kept safe, and ensure that the right to visit our wonderful ancient monuments is maintained for all future generations to come. I’d love to hear other opinions, so please do share your thoughts! Le grá,
Shelly

A hawthorn, one of the most sacred trees in Irish

A hawthorn, one of the most sacred trees in Irish folklore, growing out of a 5000 year old portal tomb in County Roscommon. Called the Meehambee Dolmen, I wandered out in this direction recently and was taken aback by the beauty of the site. It is extremely natural and peaceful, and it’s really clear that local people are taking very good care of it. A beautiful experience that I won’t forget in a hurry 🖤 #meehambeedolmen #portaltomb #dolmen #roscommon #visitroscommon #irelandshiddenheartlands #midlands #ancienthistory #archaeological #sacredspaces #paganireland #celticireland #paganism #irishpagan #celticpagan

The countryside of Ireland is bathing in the colou

The countryside of Ireland is bathing in the colours of high summer, the grass is at waist height, the land is alive, and Lughnasadh is just around the corner 🌾 I’d like to say it’s my favourite time of year, but I seem to say that with each passing season! It is truly amazing out there at the moment though, and the weather is to be incredible for the next few days, so I’m hoping to soak in as much sun as I can. We’re just back from our travels, and settling back into the rhythm of home. This year has been such a whirlwind, it was so good to have a break and enjoy the moment for a few days. I have a few posts that I really want to share here over the coming days, so you’ll see them as soon as I’m finished writing them up. I’m also working away on my Lugh painting, and can’t wait to share it with you guys. We’re just coming up on the perfect time of year for it too ☺️ Hope you’re all having a wonderful Friday! Le grá
Shelly #highsummer #samhradh #rockofdunamase #dunamase #irishcastle #irishcastles #exploringireland #irelandadventures #castlesofireland #summer2022 #irishhistoryandheritage #historyandheritage #ancientruins #irishviews #irishhistory #historical

I wish I could bottle the energy at this place ✨

I wish I could bottle the energy at this place ✨ This is of course the stunning Gaulstown portal tomb in County Waterford. A favourite spot of mine, particularly when the oak trees that embrace it are in their full summer foliage. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend so far, I’m off on a little mini-break to the midlands next week, the first break away I’ve had all year! So look out for some photos from my adventures 💚 Le grá
Shelly #portaltomb #dolmen #waterford #ancientireland #oaktrees #oldstones #ireland #archaeology #placesofpower #natureismychurch #samhradh #irelandadventures #ancientruins #adventureisoutthere #neolithic

When I was a child and first heard the tale of Ois

When I was a child and first heard the tale of Oisín and Niamh, I remember thinking how foolish Oisín must have been to have left his beautiful, immortal life in Tir na nÓg, and how careless to let his feet touch Irish soil once he had left. I couldn’t imagine what would possess someone to leave that land of eternal youth and beauty, just to return to the grim mortal world from which they came. These days as I grow older (and maybe a little wiser) I find that I can now understand Oisín’s dilemma. Yes, he had love and joy for all of eternity with Niamh in Tir na nÓg, but I think if I were in that position I would also long to see my home and former companions. To then return and find that centuries have passed since you left and all that you once knew and loved had vanished into the mists of time… I imagine that would be enough to make anyone lose their balance and fall to the ground. It reminds me of what Elrond says to Arwen when he is warning her not to pursue the mortal Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings… "Here you will dwell, bound to you grief, under the fading trees, until all the world has changed and the long years of your life are utterly spent." I find that there is often a mix of great sadness and joy in imagining immortality for us human beings, which you can see demonstrated in Irish mythology. As much as we may wish to live forever, when it comes to actually facing it, it seems like a very long and lonely existence. Of course, we do plenty of other things to ensure we’re not forgotten, a portal tomb built 5000 years before any of us were born is testament to that! It’s just funny to see the modern day obsession with living forever, and to realise that people have dreamt about this very thing for as long as humans have been around! Though I think I’d rather not partake if they ever do come up with that elixir, would you? Just some random thoughts from my sunny back garden today. I hope you’re all having a lovely day! Le grá
Shelly