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On Waterford’s Copper Coast in the village of Bu

On Waterford’s Copper Coast in the village of Bunmahon, two beautiful ogham stones stand side by side on a grassy hill overlooking the sea. Companions for centuries, the pair were rescued from the nearby promontory fort, where they were found buried underground in the 80s and 90s. It’s possible that they once formed part of the interior of the fort, but have now been relocated to their current position in a wonderful geological park. Stone A, the broader of the two, is about 3ft tall and reads ‘VEDILIMETO MAQI TOQITAQ’ which likely translates to ‘Feidlimid son of Toicthech’. Stone B, the more narrow of the two, stands just under 3ft tall and reads ‘SENAQ MAQI MUCOI ENA’ which likely translates to ‘Senach, son of the descendant of Ena’. I sat with these stones for an hour or two one sunny afternoon, and what struck me is how fresh the markings look, probably thanks to the ages they spent underground safe from the elements. They really serve as a beautiful reminder of the expert hands that carved them so long ago, and are well worth popping in to see if you’re in the area! Le grá,
Shelly

Hello friends! 🌱 It’s hard to believe that w

Hello friends! 🌱 It’s hard to believe that we’re over halfway through April already, time is slipping by so quickly! It took a little while but I finally have my new Brigid artwork prints up for sale on my website! I’ve also restocked the other prints and there are a small number of calendars that are still left too. You can find all of them in my shop, which is linked in my bio. ☺️ I have been incredibly busy and distracted over the last couple of months, but I have some lovely updates and adventures planned for Tales From The Wood so keep an eye out! I hope you’re all having a great spring and are looking forward to the upcoming Bealtaine celebrations 🌱 Thank you all so, so much for your support 💚 Le grá
Shelly

“Old bones entombed ‘neath craggy hills, Crown

“Old bones entombed ‘neath craggy hills,
Crowned with stone and cloaked in aeons.
Roots stretched deep through woven soils
And secret paths to Otherworld.” Some thoughts from a sunny hillside that I thought I’d share today. I’m a newbie poet, but it’s something I’d really like to start doing more of as I find it very grounding and almost meditative, especially when it allows me to think about history and mythology. Any feedback/tips for a novice would be much appreciated! Enjoy the fine weather everyone ☀️
Shelly

If you’ve yet to journey out to the Carrowkeel P

If you’ve yet to journey out to the Carrowkeel Passage Tombs in Co. Sligo, I must admit I’m incredibly jealous! I would give just about anything to experience these incredible monuments for the first time again. A rugged, secretive and wild sense of wonder fills the air, and your first glimpse of them rising from the mist over the hills will stay with you forever. Built during the Neolithic Period, these fourteen mysterious mounds are situated in the remote Bricklieve Mountains, with commanding views of Lough Arrow and the surrounding countryside. Access is via a trail that winds through the rocky limestone cliffs, clad in heather and watched over by the sheep. To me this walk seems almost like a pilgrimage, a feeling that I’m sure was not lost on our ancient ancestors who chose this wild and windswept place to build their monuments over 5000 years ago. The site was excavated in 1911 which led to the discovery of artefacts including pottery, beads and bone and antler pins. The remains of over thirty people were also found, some cremated and some not. These remains were sent to Cambridge University, where they spent almost a century in storage before being rediscovered in 2001. Research on the bone fragments revealed evidence of complex funerary rites that took place for those laid to rest here so long ago. Evidence of ancient astronomy similar to that of Newgrange can also be found at the site in the form of a roof box above the entrance at Cairn G, where the setting sun of the summer solstice illuminates the back of the chamber on the days surrounding this celestial event. The full significance of these cairns to the ancient people who built them is not yet fully known, but standing before them their breathtaking importance can still be felt to this day. Perched silently atop their mountain peaks, the tombs serve as reminders of those who lived and loved here so many millennia ago. Hope you’re all well guys, enjoy the rest of the week! Grá, Shelly

Over the years I’ve found that when I picture Pa

Over the years I’ve found that when I picture Patrick, I tend not to see the familiar image of an old man in Bishop's regalia. Instead, I see a young man, dressed simply as a slave would be, watching the sheep of his master. It is thought that Patrick came to Ireland from Wales in the 5th century, after being captured and enslaved by Irish pirates. He spent 6 years in slavery here, working as a shepherd. During this time Patrick developed a strong belief in God. I can imagine that practising his family's religion must have made him feel closer to home in a strange country surrounded by an unfamiliar faith. It’s said that he escaped after a dream in which God told him that his ship was ready and he should go home. He travelled 200 miles to a port and secured passage back to Britain. After a few years, God visited him once again. This time he heard the Irish people asking him to return, and so he did. The rest of the story is the stuff of legends. One famous legend is Patrick's use of shamrock in his teachings. He would use the little three leafed plants to show how three beings could make up one God. Patrick left behind two writings: The 'Confessio' and the 'Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus'. I recommend that you read these letters. They are a fascinating glimpse into life in 5th century Ireland! For many, Patrick is a controversial or even villainous figure thanks to the role he played in wiping out Ireland’s ancient Pagan faith. I understand this point of view, but I believe that ancient history can’t be looked at in such black and white terms. Every deed and event is filled with nuance, and obscured from our vision by the passage of time and fading of memory. We also can’t disregard the fact that Patrick might never have come to Ireland at all had he not been sold into slavery. We can infer that he made many Pagan friends in this ancient land, and I often wish that I could go back and listen to the conversations and debates that must have taken place in those years. How interesting they must have been! Anyway, happy St Patrick’s Day guys ☺️☘️ I’m currently on the couch fit to burst after a feast of beef and Guinness stew - bliss! Grá 💚
Shelly

Today was World Wetlands Day, and as this year I i

Today was World Wetlands Day, and as this year I intend to explore more of Ireland’s ancient and abundant waterways, I thought what better time to start then now? So this post is a little tribute to the river beside which I grew up, the beautiful River Slaney (Abhainn na Sláine) in Ireland’s lush and historical southeast. Isn’t it funny that when you grow up seeing something every day you tend not to see how special it is? Familiarity makes even the most beautiful things seem mundane, and growing up in Enniscorthy this is exactly how I felt about the Slaney, but how my mind has changed over the years. The river rises on Lugnaquilla, the highest peak in Ireland outside of Kerry, and winds its way westward through the wild and lonely Wicklow Mountains. It passes the Glen of Imaal, a land steeped in Irish history and folklore, and then turns south towards Baltinglass. From there it leaves County Wicklow and meanders through County Carlow, until finally it begins its long, winding journey through the fertile, pastoral countryside of County Wexford. The river provides an environment for a jaw-dropping variety of wildlife, with the number of different bird species being particularly amazing. A walk along any point of the river, especially in Wexford, will yield wonderful results for any bird watchers. The history that the river has seen is also incredible. From our most ancient ancestors, to the Vikings, to the Normans, to the rebels of 1798 and beyond, the Slaney River has kept watch over them all. The site in the photo is the 15th century tower house at Ferrycarrig as the sun rises. Growing up, I spent many summers in boats exploring this beautiful river, and though it is far from the longest, the widest or the most famous of our rivers here in Ireland, it will always be the one closest to my heart 💙 Shelly

Lá Fhéile Bríde shona daoibh on this beautiful

Lá Fhéile Bríde shona daoibh on this beautiful Imbolg/St Brigid’s Day morning! ☺️ The birds are singing at the top of their lungs as I write this, filling the air with joyous hope and heralding the arrival of spring and brighter days to come. It’s a special one this year, as our beloved Brigid has finally received the official recognition deserved and denied to her for so many centuries. All eyes are now on the life and deeds of this bold and generous Irish woman, and so there has never been a more perfect moment to celebrate and honour her legacy. Whether it be social issues, spiritual issues, environmental issues or all of the above, now is a wonderful time to reflect on our past and push forward into a better future, with guidance and inspiration from the tales and associations of Brigid herself. I hope you have an absolutely wonderful day my friends, never has there been a more joyful and hopeful 1st of February. Here’s a little new artwork to mark the occasion, enjoy! Grá, Shelly

Cú Chulainn’s Stone Standing proud in a place

Cú Chulainn’s Stone Standing proud in a place known locally as the ‘Field of Slaughter’ in Knockbridge, County Louth is the great Clochafarmore Standing Stone. The name translates to ‘stone of the big man’, and it is at this site where Cú Chulainn, one of the greatest heroes of Irish mythology, is said to have died. The stone itself is thought to have been erected during the Bronze Age, and it towers over the surrounding landscape at an imposing three meters tall. Perched on top of a low hill, it is impossible to miss this monument once you climb over the stile to approach it. In fact, I almost felt as though I were being drawn towards it from the moment I saw it. Cú Chulainn is one of the best known figures from Irish mythology, most famous as the hero from the great Irish saga the ‘Táin Bó Cuailgne’. This epic of early Irish literature is often referred to as the ‘Irish Iliad’, and tells the tale of the war against Ulster by the mighty Queen Maeve of Connaught, and how the 17 year old demigod Cú Chulainn singlehandedly fought them off. Years after the events of this tale, the enemies that Cú Chulainn made along the way plotted their revenge against them, and eventually launched their attack at this very spot. The mortally wounded hero sees this stone, which in the tale marks the grave of a warrior from some ancient battle, and ties himself to it so he can die on his feet. For three days his enemies are afraid to approach him. And it is not until the Morrigan lands on his shoulder in the guise of a raven that they accept the hero has finally been slain. This is yet another site where Irish mythology meets archeological reality, and the combination of the two makes for a really fascinating and magical experience. It’s also a site that perhaps isn’t as well known as it should be, so do pop in for a visit if you’re passing through the area. Have a wonderful week everyone!
Shelly

With the sun now setting on 2021, I just wanted to

With the sun now setting on 2021, I just wanted to pop in and say a huge thank you to all of you for making this crazy year so special. It’s hard to believe, but Tales From The Wood will be two years old on the first of January! I never dreamed when I embarked on this little adventure in 2020 that I would meet so many like-minded souls and dear friends along the way, and I’ll be forever amazed and grateful for your kindness and support. Here’s to all the new journeys that await us, I have a good feeling about 2022 my friends. Go n-éirí an bóthar leat - may the road rise to meet you 🤎 Go raibh maith agat!
Shelly x

Grianstad an Gheimhridh - The Winter Solstice A n

Grianstad an Gheimhridh - The Winter Solstice A new, simple artwork for you this evening in honour of the Winter Solstice at Newgrange, inspired by the many amazing examples of Neolithic rock art that appear throughout this sacred site. In the Irish language the word for the Solstice is "An Grianstad" which translates to "the sun stop". Each year I reflect on this evocative phrase, and every winter as I grow older it gives me some new wisdom or perspective, that seems more profound with every passing season. The longest night is now upon us, after which our days will start to get brighter, leading us by the hand all the way to the height of summer. Such a simple, ordinary thing, but one of the greatest sources of natural magic that we could ever imagine. Our ancient ancestors marked the day in many ways, the most famous of which is at the great passage tomb of Newgrange, where the rising winter sun has flooded into the ancient passageway for millenia on Solstice morning. This year I will mark the event at the Knockroe passage tomb in Kilkenny, another incredible monument that has become very special to me in the past year. I’m sure I’ll share photographs at some point! The very warmest wishes to you all this Solstice, Shelly x

The Leac an Scail Dolmen (Stone of the Warrior/Her

The Leac an Scail Dolmen (Stone of the Warrior/Hero) I have to say, I’m yet to find a more impressive ‘off the beaten track’ portal tomb than this stunning site in County Kilkenny. Located in a hedgerow at the corner of a beautiful rolling pasture, this 5000 year old megalith stands on the slopes of Brown Mountain, not far from the picturesque town of Mullinavat. In researching the site I learned a new word - cantilevered - this describes the feat of engineering that gives Leac an Scail its very unusual shape. The enormous granite capstone rests on two portal stones and a pillow stone, which sits on the backstone. It is absolutely fascinating to observe this balancing act in person, made even more impressive by the sheer height of the structure - over four meters tall! The portal stones are aligned northeast towards sunrise on the summer solstice. I found a couple of local legends about the site on dúchas.ie (the national folklore archive) - one says that a great king or warrior is buried beneath the tomb and that when it falls it will kill seven men. Another says that the dolmen was built overnight, that when the people who lived in the area went to bed it was not there, but when they awoke it had appeared. These are the kinds of legends that really set a site in its surroundings and I was delighted when I came across the stories. I also noticed that this site has a few different names. I’ve seen it called the Kilmogue dolmen and the Harristown dolmen as well as Leac an Scail, but they are all referring to the same place - just in case you run into any confusion! Anyway, happy Winter Solstice guys! I’ll be doing a full post to mark the passing of the longest night in the next few days. Shelly

Without a doubt one of the most magical experience

Without a doubt one of the most magical experiences I had in 2021 was my visit to the Holy Well at Lough Avalla in the Burren during the summer. Located on the Lough Avalla farm loop, an amazingly well maintained trail through some of the most stunning parts of the Burren, this site wasn’t the initial reason that I wanted to do the trail but it ended up being the highlight! I initially wanted to walk the trail because parts of it are made up of a special type of ecosystem found in the Burren (and a couple of other places) sometimes referred to as a ‘Celtic Rainforest’. Lush and green with high humidity and minimal interference from people, I wanted to visit these hazel woods and see it for myself. Then I came across the well, and it completely blew me away! I have never been to a natural place that felt more like a sacred temple than this. With clean water bubbling from an underground spring flowing underneath the trees laden with offerings, memorials and treasures this truly is a place of magic and spirituality. Of course the well is said to have healing qualities for physical ailments, but I found the tranquility very healing on a mental and spiritual level too. The trail goes on, climbing out of the forest and up into the rocky hills, past cairns and other ruins with breathtaking views of the landscape. Please bear in mind if you visit that it is on a working farm and there are strictly no dogs allowed. The owners are so kind to maintain this beautiful spot and allow visitors, it is only fair that we walkers have respect for their wishes too. So there you go guys, another one of my most special recommendations. If you have been here in the past I’d love to know your thoughts on the place! (Oh and if you watch the video with sound on you’ll hear some of the peace I’m talking about ❤️) Thanks guys! Shelly