03/09/2026
๐ผ๐จ๐จ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐ก, ๐พ๐ค๐ช๐ฃ๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐ฟ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ก
Spent Tuesday exploring the rugged beauty of County Donegal and stopped by the breathtaking Assaranca Waterfall (Eas a' Ranca). Located just past Ardara on the road to Maghera Beach and Caves, itโs one of Irelandโs most accessible and dramatic waterfalls, cascading down moss-covered rocks right beside the road.
If you look closely near the base of the falls, you'll spot a weathered tree stump hammered full of coins. This is a local "Wishing Tree" (or money tree), rooted in an ancient Celtic tradition.
Historically, people would hammer a coin into the bark of a holy tree or stump as an offering to the spirits or divine forces in exchange for good fortune, safe travels, or healing from illness. Legend has it that as long as the coin remains embedded in the wood, your wish or prayer remains alive. Over time, as hundreds of travelers and locals added their own coins, the stump transformed into a striking, metal-armored monument to centuries of hopes and quiet wishes.
Thereโs something magical about pairing the thunderous rush of the waterfall with a piece of living folklore. Have you ever visited Assaranca Waterfall or left a coin in a wishing tree? Let me know in the comments!
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