Celestial Autumn Splendour: Moon rises dramatically over the Ox Mountains
Carrowcullen the Old Irish Farmhouse Waxing Moon rising over the Ox Mountains 14 September 2024
Carrowcullen the Old Irish Farmhouse Waxing Moon 15 September 2024
Autumn splendour arrives at Carrowcullen as the moon rises dramatically over the Ox Mountains. The array of clouds furthers the celestial drama. In the early evenings of 14 and 15 September Carrowcullen the Old Irish Farmhouse’s lane and pastures offered splendid views for its guests!
Celestial displays are waiting to be discovered at Carrowcullen the Old Irish Farmhouse. The celestial autumn splendour with the moon rising dramatically over the Ox Mountains is one of countless discoveries to make.
On the other hand, the ‘dark sky,’ lacking any artificial light interference, allows stars and planets to sparkle across the entire sky, horizon to horizon. Therefore to stay at Carrowcullen is to experience an 1880s farmhouse and pastoral setting unblemished by light pollution. It is indeed a step back in time.
The Ox Mountains and Folklore
The Ox Mountains, also known as Slieve Gamph, are a rugged and picturesque mountain range in County Sligo, Ireland. These magical mountains are notable for their their ancient gneiss rock formations and neolithic cairns. These have a rich history and are steeped in local folklore. The mountains are closely linked with the local folklore of the cailleach Garavogue. She was a neolithic landscape goddess who lived in the chambered cairn on one of the peaks. According to legend, she befriended the mad king Sweeney. Together they transformed into geese and dived to the bottom of the small mountain-top lake, Loch Dá Gé.
Local Folklore
The rising moon also illuminates the historical and mythological significance of the area. Here at Carrowcullen Loch Achree at Ladies Brae in the Knockalongy, rising up behind the farm, has its own folklore associations. At the base of this highest of the Ox Mountains (544m or 1785 ft high) is Loch Achree, a very young lake historically. Maureen Phillips, the late owner and last family member at Carrowcullen, related the story to me.
A long time ago a farmer had a white stallion. It was was wild and would not be ridden or stay within fences. Therefore the farmer turned him free above Loch Achree and would watch him. One day he realised that the white patch he saw was actually quartz. He went to look for the stallion but realised it must have had fallen into the lake, and his heart was floating on its surface.. The lake took on its name as lake of the heart.
For those interested in Irish associations between sky and historical events, The Rising of the Moon is a famous Irish ballad.
Whether you are a history or folklore enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a moment of peace, witnessing the moon rise over the Ox Mountains is an unforgettable experience.
