Dracula's Grave

(Written 1st July)

Took loads of pictures today, too many and now have to choose 1.

The picture I have chosen though is a tree.

I have taken pictures of a Convent, Bushmills Distillery, White Rocks bay and many more places but I have chosen a tree because of the story behind it.

Legend has it that the tree marks the burial spot of the druid chieftan and dwarf magician Abhartach. Legend has it that Abhartach mistreated the locals very badly to the point he was executed and buried in a standing position.

Next day however, he appeared again and was more cruel to the locals. He was slain again and reburied in the same position only to rise again.

The third time he was slain and buried, this time he was buried upside down and a heavy stone sepulchur was placed on top the grave, and a blackthorn tree planted beside the grave as this was believed to ward off evil spirits.

The picture is of the very Blackthorn tree believed to be that in the legend. The legend is also believed to have given Bram Stoker the idea of the novel of Dracula, hence the name Dracula's Grave.