Danu Celtic Goddess of Nature
We recently commissioned a sculpture which has been installed in the centre of the village to celebrate the richness of biodiversity of our local rivers and peatlands, and to connect the village with the newly launched Bog & Woodland Trail at Milltownpass Bog NHA.
The project was funded via the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme 2022. The sculpture, which was designed and crafted by the renowned local Woodcraftsman Richie Clarke, depicts the female Celtic goddess of nature “Danu”, with a barn owl perched above her and an Irish hare by her side, both currently endangered species in Ireland.
Danu is seen as a motherly earth goddess of the land and water, and a creator and progenitor of life. She is associated with fertility and abundance, and is also heavily associated with water and rivers – the vessels that water and nourish the land.
The sculpture was installed with the help of Westmeath County Council along the main street in the village overlooking the Milltown River and will maintained by Milltownpass Tidy Towns.
Signage to highlight the story behind this sculpture is currently in development and will be installed before the end of 2023.