The Equinox Stone

The 'Equinox Stone' is situated at the very end of the chamber of Cairn T (The Hag's Cairn) at Slieve na Calliagh, Loughcrew. Twice a year, at the equinoxes, this stone is bathed with the golden light of sunrise, an extraordinary astronomical alignment created by the Neolithic farmers and astronomers over 5,000 years ago which continues to function today.

There is a poignancy to this image. Back in 2018, following fears of possible subsidence within the passage of Cairn T, the monument was locked up and public access has been prohibited since then. I was fortunate to be able to photograph all the megalithic art in the interior of Cairn T's chamber over a period of about 18 years before its closure. This is one of my all-time favourite images from inside the monument, and shows the mosaic of picked-out symbols which include emblems that look like depictions of the sun.

Back in 1980, Martin Brennan and Jack Roberts and their companions discovered, or rediscovered, the equinox alignment. They were amazed at how the sunlight shone directly onto ancient symbols that appeared to depict the sun. I am grateful to them for their discovery, and equally grateful to have spent many equinoxes inside the chamber, witnessing the light.

For this photo, in what is a very small and tight chamber recess, I carefully used remote flashlight to illuminate the symbols. It remains my all-time favourite photo of this stone because of its clarity, and also because I know I am unable to replicate or emulate it today.

The meaning of the symbols is unknown. The monument builders left no explanation, so we are left to ponder the great mystery of it all. I hope you like this image as much as I do. Why not order your own print, and have this one-off artwork hanging on your wall?