The Witch’s Chair - Cathaoir na Cailleach

Perched atop a wind-swept hill in Loughcrew, you will see the witch’s seat. Constructed from great slabs of limestone, it is one of many sacred sites in royal Meath, home county of the now long-dead high kings. Here, the witch would sit looking across the landscape, conniving to take control of all she saw.

Her character may be derived from Buí, an earlier celtic goddess. Buí was a lunar deity, associated with the Boyne Valley, also in Meath, or Brú na Bóinne its Gaelic name. She is the goddess believed to have shaped Loughcrew and the land beyond.

The witch is said to have attempted a mighty spell to gain power over her surroundings. Jumping from one hilltop to another, she scattered great boulders from her apron to perform the ritual. However, this would also be her downfall, as according to local lore she misjudged her final jump and fell to her death at Loughcrew. Legend has it that she is buried under the dominant cairn T near her seat, and if you sit on the witch’s chair and make a wish, whatever you ask will be granted.