Whenever possible we stop to visit our friends at The Old Bank B&B in Bruff. Miriam never fails to tell me about terrific new sites to visit in the area – and this year she told us of a fairy invasion in County Limerick! Of course we had to go see for ourselves!
Fairy Trail at Lough Gur
Lough Gur has always been one of the most magical places in Ireland- and the Red Cellar Cave high on the steep side of Knockfennel has long been known as the home of Fer Fí, the King of the Fairies.
This year the fairies left their hollow hill to settle atop Carraig Crothera.
You'll see a few of their stone-faced abodes as you climb the 110 steps to the peak overlooking Lough Gur,
but you have to follow a path less traveled to visit their fairy village in the forest.
If you look closely you might even spot a fairy or two!
Whimsical Fairy Garden at Terra Nova
When Debra and Martin Begley purchased their home it sat on a rather un-inspired bit of land with no landscaping to speak of. A perfect plot to design a dream garden. Behind their home they created an magical area of weaving pathways, soothing waterfalls, and a tranquil pagoda. Along their journey Terra Nova became an award winning garden and one of the best small nurseries in Ireland.
Beauty like this must have charmed the fairies as they moved into the forest across the drive – and brought a few of their friends!
A stone bridge leads you into the woodland garden where turf-topped fairy huts share space with a kid-sized cabin, a sure sign that the fairies welcome visitors!
Tiny hoblins zip through the trees, so be sure to watch your head!
And each turn of the path leads to a new and delightful encounter!
Before you leave the gardens you do want to be sure to visit Terra Nova's wonderful shop filled with unique, whimsical, and magical items to attract your own fairies!
Has anyone else seen the signs of a fairy invasion in County Limerick? Share your discovery in the comments!
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Oh. I need to go! This is fantastic!
How cool! I would love to visit with my own kids. 😀
Thank you for this fun post!.. I already have The Old Bank B&B on my list of stops & hope to spend a few nights there on my next trip to Ireland…
Fabulous Leslie- you will love the area!
I had the great privilege of visiting there last year …… The guided tour was a magical experience ……. I had a lot of fun in the shop and the coffee and cake was truly delicious ……. I would highly recommend this garden of Paradise a must visit on you’re itinerary….
It is a magical place Michael- even if I only got biscuits with my tea. 🙂