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The Hag of Beara

Legend has it that this rock which rises above Coulagh Bay represents the fossilized remains of the face of the Cailleach Beara awaiting her husband Manannan, God of the Sea, to return to her. Her presence still haunts visitors who leave coins, trinkets and all sorts of other small offerings, on and around the rock. Other legends say that the Hag stole a Bible from the Catholic cleric Caitighearn. In order to recover his revered book of God, Caitighearn struck the Hag with his staff, instantly turning her to stone. Whatever legend you believe in, the Hag of Beara in many ways has come to represent Mna na hEireann – the women of Ireland – due to her power, fertility, and strength. Surely she will rise to help nurture Ireland once again. Located only minutes from Eyeries, on the Kilcatherine coastal road, the Hag is worth a visit.

Getting there: Kilcatherine is across Coulagh Bay from Eyeries. Look for the sign on the Left Hand Side as you drive by Kilcatherine Church.

Beara (Irish: Béarra) or the Beara Peninsula is a peninsula on the south-west coast of Ireland, bounded between the Kenmare "river" (actually a bay) to the north side and Bantry Bay to the south. It has two mountain ranges running down its centre: the Caha Mountains and the Slieve Miskish Mountains. The northern part of the peninsula from Kenmare to near Ardgroom is in County Kerry, while the rest forms the barony of Bear in County Cork.