Mystical Ireland

Colours of the Irish flag at Murderhole beach Donegal, image captured in April 2024.

Picture credit : Sky Lark Fotos

Keem Bay, Achill Island☀️🌎 Such a beautiful part of the world!

Picture credit : Kirkland

The smallest pub in Ireland on Achill Island 👀❤️

Picture credit : lawrence

Happy Friday ,Carrauntoohil mountain :-)

🌼⛪😍

📍 St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin City

Photo credit : Tourism Ireland

Redemptorist Church, Dundalk, County Louth
Sunset 😍❤️🤩

Credit : Sean Berry Photography

St. John's Eve, celebrated on June 23rd in Ireland, this day is traditionally celebrated by lighting bonfires at different locations, usually on hilltops or at the crossroads in the centre of a community.

According to Irish folklore, the bonfire was important for those who believed they were victims of malicious piseógs enacted on May Eve. These were charms that people placed and hid on other people's land on the eve of 1 May for negative consequences.

The piseóged charms took various forms, such as infertile glugger eggs, rancid meat, entrails of dead animals, hair spancels used for tying the legs of animals, and other objects thought to have magical significance.

The belief in these charms was part of a complex system of transferring bad luck and stealing away other people's fertility and good fortune. The lighting of bonfires on St John's Eve was a way to protect oneself from these negative forces

Credit : Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland

Kinsale of Ireland ☘️💚🇮🇪

Photo credit : I love Ireland

The Aran Islands / Oileáin Árann - Inisheer / Inis Oírr ❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍

Picture credit : Matko Suton

Bilbo, where're you off to?
Bilbo Baggins: I'm already late.
Hobbit: Late for what?
Bilbo Baggins: I'm going on an adventure!

Bay Lough, Co. Tipperary, Ireland 🇮🇪
Photo credit : Famous quickly recipes

Have you ever heard of the five Guardian Trees of Ireland? According to Irish folklore, these trees sheltered each of the five provinces. The first tree is Eó Mugna, an Oak tree, followed by Bile Tortan, an Ash tree. The third tree is Eó Ruis, a Yew tree, while the fourth and fifth trees are Craeb Daithí and Craeb Uisnig, both Ash trees.

Legend has it that these trees grew from seeds given by a descendant of the otherworld. They were said to possess mystical powers that protected the land and its people. These ancient trees played such a significant role in Irish mythology.

The Oak tree, Eó Mugna, was believed to represent strength and endurance. The Ash tree, Bile Tortan, was associated with healing and protection. The Yew tree, Eó Ruis, was considered a symbol of rebirth and transformation. Finally, the two Ash trees, Craeb Daithí and Craeb Uisnig, were believed to represent balance and harmony.

Credit : Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland

Rhododendron invasion in Connemara🌸😍😍

Picture credit :Iza Michalik

The hawthorn trees are currently in full bloom across Ireland. They are truly a magical sight to behold. It's no wonder they are deeply connected with the folklore of this country.
The hawthorn tree, also known as the fairy tree, is believed to be a portal to the fairy realm. It's said that disturbing or cutting down these trees can bring bad luck and misfortune upon oneself. In fact, many farmers refuse to plow or build on land where a hawthorn tree stands.
But it's not just superstition that makes these trees so special. The hawthorn has a rich history in Irish medicine and folklore. Its berries were used to treat heart disease, while its thorns were believed to ward off evil spirits.
In May the hawthorn tree comes alive with delicate white flowers that cover its branches. It's a breathtaking sight that symbolises new beginnings and the start of summer.
So next time you come across a hawthorn tree in bloom, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance in Irish culture. And remember, it's always best to leave these fairy trees be.

Credit : Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland

in 1946 – George Best, the greatest player of his generation and the world’s first superstar footballer, is born in Belfast.

George Best is undoubtedly the finest soccer player ever, and probably one of the five finest footballers ever. Best was discovered by famed Belfast scout Bob Bishop who told Manchester United manager Matt Busby “I have found a genius.” He was not exaggerating. Best made his debut as a 17-year-old for United on 14 September 1963. For the next ten years, he lit up the football landscape, before alcohol took its toll.

Read more 🔗 https://wp.me/p3XCMr-M3M

Credit : Stair na hÉireann / History of Ireland

Why does Drogheda, an Irish 🇮🇪 football club have a star and crescent as an emblem?

Because it's Ottoman 🇹🇷! Wait, WHAT?! Yes! So, during the Great Famine in Ireland the Ottomans sent financial assistance as well as food to the Irish. In 1847, the Sultan, Abdulmajid I, donated £1,000 (equivalent to approximately £100,000 today) to alleviate the suffering of the Irish people. He had originally offered £10,000 to the British Relief Association but had been advised by British diplomats that the British Royal protocol meant that nobody should contribute more than the Queen. It was suggested that he gave half the sum contributed by Queen Victoria. The Sultan complied with this suggestion. His donation was entrusted to the Ambassador in Istanbul and forwarded to the British Relief Association.

Furthermore, the Ottoman Empire sent ships carrying grain and food to the island. The ships departing Istanbul were not allowed to enter the Port of Dublin, and thus had to unload their cargo secretly at the Port of Drogheda, a town 70 km further north of Dublin.

In remembrance of the aid and gratefulness, the people of Drogheda put the star and crescent of the Ottoman flag on their town's and football club's emblem.

Credit :The Balkans

According to Irish mythology, when the Milesians arrived in Ireland, they were met by the Tuatha De Danann, who were already living there. The Tuatha De Danann were known for their magical abilities and were said to be able to control the elements. They were also associated with the Otherworld, which was believed to be a realm of eternal youth and beauty. The Milesians, on the other hand, were known for their bravery and their warrior spirit.

The Tuatha Dé Danann and the Milesians were engaged in a series of battles, with the final one being the Battle of Tailtiu. The Milesians, emerged victorious and forced the Tuatha Dé Danann to retreat underground into burial mounds. Each god was assigned a different mound to inhabit, and these mounds were believed to be gateways to the Otherworld.

There, the Tuatha Dé Danann became known as the "Aos Sí" or "Sidhe," supernatural beings who continued to influence the lives of the Irish people from their hidden realm.

Credit : Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland

Aurora Borealis above Galway, wow just wow ❤️😍

Credit : David McGowan Photography

Choctaw and Irish History

Two ancient peoples. A modern-day connection. Nothing divides the Choctaw people from the Irish except for the ocean.

Both the Choctaw Nation and Ireland were, in effect, colonized by outside powers. Their ancient tongues almost became extinct, and have been rescued from oblivion and made into working languages again through concerted effort and sophisticated approaches. Both peoples have successfully preserved their cultures and traditions.

Their relationship began in 1847, when the Choctaws, who had only recently arrived over the ruinous “trail of tears and death” to what is now Oklahoma, took up a donation and collected over $5,000 (in today’s money) to support the Irish during the Potato Famine. The famine ravaged Ireland during the 1840s.

The Choctaws’ donation was sent to the town of Midleton in County Cork, south of Dublin. There, many decades later, the townspeople realized their aid had come from a people who were themselves in a very unique set of circumstances – reestablishing their society and their government after the long and painful migration...

https://www.choctawnation.com/about/history/irish-connection/

Cúchulainn's Castle Dundalk, surrounded by colourful fields, simply stunning

Credit : Pak Aerial Media

May the force be with you 👀

Have you ever wondered about the energy of trees from mythical times in Ireland? Well, let us tell you, it's still flowing through the country to this day. And even though many of these ancient trees have been cut down over the centuries, their energy is said to still be present in the land. It's believed that the roots of these trees run deep connecting them to the earth and allowing their energy to continue flowing.

According to ancient Irish mythology, trees were believed to have magical powers, associated with fairies and other supernatural beings and were deeply respected by the people. They were seen as a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds. It was said that each tree had its own unique energy that could heal and protect those who were in its presence.

The energy of these trees was said to be so strong that it could heal the sick, protect against evil spirits, and even grant wishes. And while some may not believe in magic anymore, there is scientific evidence that proves the energy of trees is real.

Trees release negative ions into the atmosphere which can help reduce stress and improve our overall mood. They also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, making them essential for our survival.

The Celts believed that trees were sacred and held special powers. They would gather under certain trees for ceremonies and rituals, believing that the energy of the tree would enhance their own abilities.

Credit : Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland

In Irish mythology the Fianna (warrior-hunters) were a band of powerful warriors, led by Fionn Mac Cumhaill and said to date from about 300 A.D. Their purpose was to protect the High King of Ireland, Cormac Mac Airt, and to guard Ireland against invasion.

The Fianna were not just skilled in combat, but were also attended by physicians, poets, and druids. Their adventures are immortalized in the Ossianic Cycle of Irish mythology, named after Oisin, son of Fionn.

But joining the Fianna was no easy feat. It required almost superhuman levels of athleticism, courage, and intellect. Only the bravest and most skilled warriors were able to pass the rigorous tests and become a part of this elite group.

The Fianna were more than just a military force - they represented the very best of Irish culture and tradition. They embodied bravery, loyalty, and a deep connection to the land.

Credit : Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland

Bluebell season in 3,2,1 ❤️😍
Benbulben, Sligo

📸 Gareth Wray Photography

Fionn MacCumhaill or Finn McCool was a 3rd Century AD warrior chieftain in Ireland. He led a clan of warriors called the Fianna, and his adventures are documented in the Fenian Cycle.

They were forest-dwelling mercenaries known as the soldiers of destiny. These Finnian Tales were said to have been written as poems by Fionn MacCumhaill's son, Oisín, and retold by the Irish people for generations.

Fionn had two loyal hounds, Bran and Sceólang, whose names mean raven and survivor. The hounds' mother, Uirne, was transformed into a dog while pregnant, hence the canine birth of her twin children. While Uirne is returned to full humanity after giving birth to her pups, Bran and Sceólang remain hounds throughout the duration of their mythos. As Uirne is the sister of Fionn's mother Muirne, Bran and Sceólang would be their masters' cousins.

The dogs appear throughout the Fenian Cycle. In particular, throughout Fionn's hunts, it is mentioned that Bran is always by his side, while certain later folk tales suggest that the dogs grew up alongside each other. Per legend, they were the first to discover Fionn's son Oisín wandering naked in the forest. Sceólang eventually dies in the 'Chase of Thrush Glen', after pursuing a half-black and half-white doe. (Thrush Glen is Glenasmole, in the mountains of south Co Dublin, the favourite hunting place of the Fianna, and also where Fionn's son Oisín is reputed to have returned to Ireland from Tír na nÓg. Bran, meanwhile, chooses to die by drowning after being struck by Fionn in an impulsive moment.

Bran and Sceólang remain beloved figures in Irish mythology - a testament to the loyalty and bravery of man's best friend.

Credit : Paranormal Supernatural Investigations Ireland

If you haven't heard of the Ring of Kerry, now's your chance to find out about one of the most popular routes on the island of Ireland. A winding loop, you'll find a route packed with majestic scenery, quaint towns and eye-popping sights. Read the article for more!

👉 https://go.irlnd.co/Ring-of-Kerry-Ireland

Credit : Tourism Ireland

🐉Game of Thrones fans🐺

If you’re headed to Northern Ireland for Comic Con, you can double up the trip to check out some of these epic filming locations!

1. Castle Ward - in season 1 of game of thrones, Castle Ward was used as maybe the most iconic location in the show, Winterfell, before a more permanent set was built.

2. Shane’s Castle bridge - one of the fan favourite scenes took place here, the scene in which Jamie fights Brienne in an attempt to escape, before ultimately being captured by the Boltons.

3. Altavaddy bridge (tollymore forest) - many scenes were filmed in the forest, however one of the most memorable is season 1 episode 1, where this bridge was used to film the scene where the Starks find the direwolf puppy’s.

4. Carnalough harbour - this location became Braavos as part of much loved character Arya’s journey

5. Toome canal - Peter Dinklage filmed here as Tyrion Lannister in an integral part of the story, the canal was used as the legendary old Valyria.

The beautiful Northern Ireland is well worth a visit! Get your tickets for comic con Northern Ireland now from www.comicconnorthernireland.co.uk

Credit : Comic Con Northern Ireland

Newgrange - Síd in Broga

Newgrange is one of the best examples in Europe of a type of monument known to archaeologists as a passage-tomb or chambered cairn. It was constructed around 3200BC, according to the most reliable Carbon 14 dates available from archaeology. This makes it more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years more ancient than Stonehenge.

Newgrange and the Boyne Valley
Newgrange sits on the top of an elongated ridge within a large bend in the Boyne River about five miles west of the town of Drogheda. This area had great eminence thoughout Irish history. Legend tells us the foundations of Christianity were laid here. Two miles or so downstream is Oldbridge, where the Battle of the Boyne took place in 1690.

Newgrange was built in a time when there was only stone, not metal, used as an everyday material for tools and weapons. In 1993, Newgrange and its sister sites Knowth and Dowth were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of their outstanding cultural legacy.
Photo credit : Aidan Curran Photography

Read more on :
https://mythicalireland.com/blogs/ancient-sites/newgrange-sid-in-broga

Sunrise this morning as the shipping boat approached Haulbowline Lighthouse 👀❤️

Credit : Carlingford Lough and The Cooley Peninsula

Herbert Park is one of Dublin’s smaller parks but it has the highest populations of cherry blossom trees in the capital. Its pathways are flanked with rows of cherry trees, and when in full flower they form a complete tunnel of blossom. Located a little outside the city centre, the park is a peaceful place to appreciate the beauty of the blossoms and honour the Japanese custom of hanami.

https://fusedbyfionauyema.com/6-of-the-best-places-in-ireland-to-experience-cherry-blossom-season/

Picture credit : Darren McLoughlin