In the depths of Ireland, hidden in County Roscommon, an archaeological treasure waits to be uncovered.
The site, known as Rathcroghan, is home to a network of tombs, forts and mysterious structures, dating from the 7th to 12th centuries. But what makes Rathcroghan truly special is its dark title: the “Gate to Hell“.
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The place is also famous for containing more than 250 archaeological monuments, but it is the Oweynagat cave that stands out. This area, whose name means “cave of cats”, is the epicenter of the legends and mysteries that surround the place.
Celtic festivals
In the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which preceded the Halloween, there was a legend that the “Gate to Hell” would be opened.
The region's historical remains are deep, dating back more than two thousand years, when Irish communities celebrated the New Year festival of Samhain.
This tradition ended up being taken to the United States by Irish immigrants, evolving into what we know today as Halloween.
Celtic festivals, which included Samhain, were an important part of the Irish calendar. They celebrated natural milestones such as the beginning of spring, the end of winter, and the harvest, with Samhain marking the end of one pastoral year and the beginning of the next.
During Samhain, Rathcroghan became a central location for celebrations, with cemeteries and monuments providing impressive backdrops. At these events, people made offerings to the spirits, exchanged gifts, and celebrated.
It is believed that during Samhain, the boundary between the world of the living and the dead became thin, thus allowing the dead to return to life for a short period.
(Image: disclosure)
The importance of location
During the date, people also believed that beasts and spirits emerged from the cave, preparing the landscape for winter. They, afraid of the spirits, lit fires and disguised themselves to avoid being taken to the cave.
Interestingly, despite its direct connection to the origins of Halloween, Rathcroghan is one of the least visited regions in Ireland, attracting only around 22,000 visitors a year, compared to the Cliffs of Moher, which receives over a million tourists annually.
There are discussions about including Rathcroghan on the UNESCO World Heritage list, which could attract more investment to the region.
However, locals hope that any tourism development will be balanced, aiming for sustainable tourism rather than an ephemeral Halloween attraction.
