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I grew up in the country in Tipperary in Ireland and really its not very megalithic. I know there were a few fairy forts near by and a general belief in all things slightly pagan was intertwined with christainity were I lived. I think my imagination was opened up by stories from my parents of banshees, ghosts and fairies being commonplace.
There is a nearby remains of a megalithic tomb called the Graves of the Leinstermen that we used to visit quiet often and the legends attached to do with Brian Boru really interested me. In school history was thought quiet well and the stories of Fionn MacCool and Cuchalainn were thought along with a little bit about Newgrange/ megaliths as that had just been discovered before I started primary school. During my teenage years I loved Arthur C Clarke and read oddles of books on Pyramids. Then about 5 years ago I set off on a trip to the megaliths in Malta for 2 weeks and had a great time. Would you believe I visited Hagar Qum before I visited Newgrange, crazy I know! I only got a car about 3 years ago and I havent looked back since!

I was raised in a village called Hook Norton, not far from the Rollright stones. I can remember going on a school trip to the Kings Men when I was seven or eight and being absolutely terrified with the story of how the witch turned the king and his men to stone!

I can remember we re-enacted the story of the baker who tried to count the stones by leaving a loaf by each one, but failed because the fairies stole them. We tried the same but the teachers always took a few as we worked our way round so we thought fairies were stealing our bread too. Either that or Tubby Finch couldn't wait for his lunch.

It was a magical day. I still look for fairies whenever I go back there...

Cheers
JS