Imposing figure of Celtic ancestor The Cailleach welcomes people to Drogheda

The iconic figure of Cailleach, the ancient deity of the landscape welcomes people to the town of Drogheda, with a brand-new mural as part of DRAWDA, Drogheda’s Urban Art Trail.

In Irish mythology, The Cailleach rules over winter, and was the creator of the Neolithic cairns (stone stacks) at Loughcrew by dropping stones from her apron as she jumped from hill to hill.

Italian artist Vera Bugatti, an expert in anamorphic street painting, has transformed Dominic Street in Drogheda with an awe-inspiring portrayal of The Cailleach which stands tall, meticulously crafted through the intricate layering of paint, resulting in a symphony of vibrant tones that dance across the Dominic Street Gateway.

The mural depicts the Cailleach, divine sorceress who is associated with the creation of the land and weather.

Nestled in Ireland’s Ancient East, the Boyne Valley, follows the path of the river Boyne which has been known from before the 2nd Century, and has historical, archaeological, and mythical significance.

The Medieval City of Drogheda with its ancient gates and walls, sacred sites and battlegrounds provides the perfect backdrop for the free, citywide, celebration of Ireland’s mythological heritage.

The mural joins the Drawda trail that also features murals of Irish legendary stories such as the Goddess of the Boyne, The Story of Etain, the Tuatha De Danann and many more which showcases the rich mythological stories of the Boyne Valley region.

The Drawda Urban Art Trail is a project which helps bring a visual vibrancy and a cascade of colour to the town by reinvigorating underused public places and streets, by creating a new trail of colour and imagination delivered by National and International artists.

The new mural was curated by Dee Walsh and will be included in the audio trail, with specially recorded stories underpinned by mythological history by Anthony Murphy which can be accessed by a QR code beside each mural.

The stories have been adapted by Gráinne Rafferty and are performed by Niall O'Brien and Gráinne with an original soundscape by Niall Gregory and editing by Sean McCluskey at Basement Sounds.

Produced by Droichead Arts Centre, Love Drogheda B.I.D.S., and Louth County Council, funded by Louth County Council, Failte Ireland Urban Animation Fund, the Arts Council in the Open, Faoin Spéir Initiative, Love Drogheda B.I.D.S., and Town & Village Accelerated Measures funding.

Supported by the d hotel, Colourtrend Paints, Murtagh's of Drogheda and Drogheda Hire.