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All the United Kingdom Scotland Dunino Dunino Den
AO Edited

Dunino Den

A site of pagan worship which still attracts people looking for fairies.

Dunino, Scotland

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Dunino Den   Jim Bain on Wikipedia
The Green Man   MeriH / Atlas Obscura User
Natural Altar in Dunino Den   bwjenkins / Atlas Obscura User
Serenity in Dunino Den   bwjenkins / Atlas Obscura User
Dunino Den Clouties   bwjenkins / Atlas Obscura User
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  bamfordpaul / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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Celtic Cross   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
“Wishing Stone”   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Dunino Den Kirk   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Carved stone steps leading to the Den   lauraanneholloway / Atlas Obscura User
Pentagram offering left by followers of the old gods   lauraanneholloway / Atlas Obscura User
Green Man carved into rock face   lauraanneholloway / Atlas Obscura User
Path along Kirk wall   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
  SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Collection of charms - everything from clotties to a rosary to a Bride Cross   petrahudson / Atlas Obscura User
Below the bluff with the well/pool flows a scenic little river   petrahudson / Atlas Obscura User
Cute charm detail   petrahudson / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Believed by many to be haunted by fairies and other creatures of Celtic legend, the Dunino Den and its surrounding features definitely create a supernatural atmosphere.  

In the woods behind the Dunino church lies an ancient pre-Christian holy site consisting of an "altar stone", a well, and an ancient footprint carved into the rock overlooking a small stream. The well, which sits at the top of the "den" is said to have been used for human sacrifice by ancient druids, although it is more likely that it was simply revered as a natural wonder. Stairs carved into the cliff during a bygone Pagan era lead down into the den proper. Here Celtic crosses and symbols have been carved into the cliff face by worshippers both modern and ancient. Pagan pilgrims venturing to the site leave offerings of all kinds hanging from the trees and tucked into crevices in the cliffs, from coins to ribbons to panties.

A "wishing stone" is located in the cemetery of the Kirk, which dates to the 1800s. Located along the southern wall is a large stone believed to be from the 9th-century. It has been reported that at one time it was used as a sundial towards the end of the 1600s. Now, a stack of coins are piled up along with invocations for good fortune.

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Celtic Haunted

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From the small Dunino church, walk back on the small trail that runs along the right side of the church between the two parts of the graveyard towards the woods. When you enter the woods follow the trail straight on another 50 m or so until you come to the altar stone. The stairs down into the Den will be on your left.

Be aware that the path is unpaved and the steps leading down to the Den are uneven. Wear sensible shoes and use caution if the area is damp. There is parking adjacent to the church

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  • EricGrundhauser profile photo EricGrundhauser
  • P petrahudson profile photo petrahudson
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Published

December 4, 2012

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Sources
  • http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/scotland/fife/ancient-sites/dunino-church-and-den.html
  • http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=15274
  • http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/2460/
Dunino Den
4 Belstane Cottages
Dunino, Scotland, KY16 8LU
United Kingdom
56.288169, -2.744473
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