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Shannon Fairy Fort Encounter

Airport, Shannon, Derry City And Strabane Fairy Mid-20th Century

Shannon Airport, a major hub in western Ireland, has a fascinating history that predates its current role as a bustling travel centre. Back in the 1950s, construction work was underway to build a new runway, but the chief engineer was given a stern warning by local residents that the project would result in the destruction of a fairy fort, an ancient earthwork believed to be the dwelling place of supernatural beings. The engineer took the warning seriously and the runway's location was changed to avoid disturbing the fort, which remains undisturbed to this day.

The incident occurred in 1958, a time when the airport was still in its early stages of development. It's interesting to note that the fairies, also known as the sidhe, are a part of Irish folklore and are often believed to inhabit ancient earthworks, hills, and other natural features. In this case, the fairy fort was respected and its location was altered to avoid any potential disruption. While there are no reports of paranormal activity at the site, the story has become a popular piece of local legend and a testament to the enduring power of folklore in Irish culture.

Historical Context

The airport was developed in the mid-20th century, with construction work ongoing in the 1950s.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Airport
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Restricted Access
Date / Era
1958

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