August 1st (halfway between summer solstice and autumn equinox) marks an ancient festival practiced by the Gaels of the first harvest, the first fruits of their growing season. As such, it was a sacred time. There are several names and variations…
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Beltaine 2016, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Beltaine 2016, Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland ***** I write historical fantasy novels, mostly set in Ireland, and a contemporary romance based on my parents’ 30-year search for true love. Don’t miss information on Celtic myth and history,…
Up Helly Aa!!!
Up Helly Aa is an annual celebration in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, honoring their Viking heritage with fire and ceremony. It’s a bit mad, a bit dangerous, and a lot of fun. Some day I shall make it to…
Irish Cemeteries
Some people avoid cemeteries, believing them to be sad, depressing, or just plain creepy. I, however, love cemeteries. I love wandering around in them, looking at the beautiful funereal sculpture, the interesting notes on the headstones, the different ways in…
The Mysteries of the Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland
Any trip to Orkney would be incomplete without a visit to this site. It is a truly impressive structure. The large circle of stones, measuring one hundred and fourteen yards in diameter, lies just north of the Stenness Stones on…
Fires on the Hill of Uisneach | Where’s my backpack?
Originally posted on Working Holiday Ireland:
Fires on the Hill of Uisneach Posted on June 5, 2015 by ailsapm A couple of weeks ago I ventured right into the heartland of Ireland. In the county of Westmeath, between the villages of…
Slieve Gullion, Giants Lair, Ring of Gullion, County Armagh
Originally posted on niviews:
Best laid plans eh? We set out for Slieve Gullion pretty early in the morning but on arrival found that not only was the drive around the 9KM “Ring of Gullion” closed due to tree felling,…
Historical fantasy, time travel adventure, and urban fantasy 