Folklore & legend

The Old Witch Under Rathlin

Rathlin Island and Ballycastle Bay

Traditional

IrishCentral records a Ballycastle tradition that Rathlin Island was created when Fionn's mother, a hag or Cailleach, dropped stones while travelling to Scotland. The folklore says she lies drowned under the water and that in stormy weather people say the old witch is kickin'.

It is a short but valuable piece of local belief, since it ties the island, the sea and the weather to a single figure, in the same family of tales as the Cailleach of Scottish tradition who shapes hills and whirlpools.

Evidence
Long-standing local tradition
Access
Open ground
Location
55.286, -6.183 (Parish-level only, treat as an area)

Sources: IrishCentral, "Irish myths and legends at Ballycastle, Co Antrim" [other]

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