- Stroller / pram accessible
- Animals or pets allowed
- Public transportation nearby
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- The Sunday departure point on the October Bank Holiday weekend is at CECAS Myross Wood House due to the Halloween market - everything else is the same. All other days, the departure point is from outside the community garden at the bottom of the village.
Glossary of Terms
Samhain( sow-in
)
An ancient Irish festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, observed from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st. Samhain is considered a time when the boundary between the physical world and the spirit world thins, allowing spirits to pass through.
An Daghdha( ahn dah-gah
)
Known as "The good God" in Irish mythology, An Daghda is a chief deity associated with fertility, agriculture, strength, and magic. He is a prominent figure among the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of supernatural beings in Irish lore.
Bean Sí( ban shee
)
Literally meaning "woman of the fairy mound," the Bean Sí
is a female spirit in Irish folklore whose mournful wail or keening is said to foretell the death of a family member. This term is the origin of the modern word "banshee."
Cailleach( kye-lukh
)
A divine goddess, hag or wise woman in Irish and Scottish mythology, the Cailleach
is associated with the creation of the landscape, weather, and the seasons, particularly winter. She is often depicted as an old woman with great power over nature.
Púca( poo-ka
)
A shape-shifting creature from Celtic folklore, the Púca
can bring both good and bad fortune. It often appears as an animal such as a horse, goat, or rabbit, and is known for leading travelers astray.
Dúchas( doo-kas
)
An Irish term meaning "heritage" or "native place," referring to a deep-rooted connection to one's ancestry, culture, and the natural environment. It embodies the concept of identity tied to community and homeland.
Mascallacht(masc-uh-lokht)
An ancient West Cork custom that predates the modern "Trick or Treat" by thousands of years. The Mascallacht tradition
involves rituals, disguises, and offerings to spirits during Samhain to ensure protection and good fortune for the community.
Báirín Breac( baw-reen brack
)
Also known as barmbrack, it's a traditional Irish sweet bread made with sultanas and raisins. Often eaten during Halloween, items like rings or coins are sometimes baked inside as a form of fortune-telling.
Bláth na Gréine( blaw na gray-nya
)
Traditional Irish placename for the woodland at the bottom of Leap village meaning blossoming of the sun. In other contexts, it also symbolises a sunflower but this is not the case here. There are many otherworldly stories from local folklore associated with Bláth na Gréine
and it is alleged an otherworldly funeral passes on the section between the Poll Mór and An Droichidín every night of the year.
CECAS
An acronym for the Centre of Excellence for Climate Action and Sustainability, a facility dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental education. It serves as the concluding venue for the tour, offering refreshments.
