OVERLOOKING THE BEAUTIFUL coastal views of Carlingford Lough is a magical outdoor space designed to inspire the imaginations of everyone who visits, young and old.
The Folklore Park and Fairy Village is a free attraction located in Carlingford, Co Louth. Amongst its many items of interest, it boasts being the setting for a secret underground cavern where the last leprechauns of Ireland are said to have dwelled.
Many of the statues and plaques scattered around Carlingford’s Folklore Park tell the story of different tales and traditions associated with the historic area. One such legend is that of the final resting place of the Long Woman.
The Long Woman’s Grave is inspired by the legend of Cauthleen, a Spanish noblewoman who married Lorcan O’Hanlon, the youngest son of the Chieftain of Omeath. Naturally, as with many tales of Irish folklore, this story involves a family feud, deceit and tragedy. Standing at 7ft in height and enamoured by Lorcan after he gallantly saved Cauthleen and her father and they eloped, relocating to Omeath. Upon their return, Cauthleen observed the breathtaking scenery but died suddenly from the heartbreak she felt leaving her motherland.
The town of Carlingford is steeped in history and retains many of the medieval layouts. While these man-made structures are fascinating to behold, the natural landscapes of Carlingford are even more captivating in-person. Notably, the stately Sliabh Foy overlooks the town. A figure synonymous with Sliabh Foy and its surrounding Mountain Park was once known as Cocker O’Reilly.
An arrogant and opinionated character, he was fond of entering into arguments with his townspeople. Usually, he was just in his forthrightness. One night, inebriated and making his way home to his cottage, he stopped along his walk and urinated on a hawthorn tree. O’Reilly was scared sober when he realised that he had relieved himself on the dwelling of Queen Sadhbh.
Subsequently, he was transformed into a majestic white horse and his supposed disappearance was never resolved by his peers. In the Folklore Park, you can see a statue of a white horse which depicts this tale.
Elsewhere, this entertaining site contains a landmark for the Brown Bull of Cooley, the Proposal Stones which were frequented by lovers, a boulder that reads, “In 1721 Nothing Happened Here”, and some quaint fairy houses.
If you’re looking for a day trip with a difference, the Folklore Park and Fairy Village is a perfect destination. Not only is it free and open all year round, but it’s also abundant with fun and fascinating tales from Irish folklore, which if you choose to believe add to the magic of Ireland.
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