Foxy's Hole

"Foxy's Hole," also known as "Fox's Hole" or similar variations, is a traditional outdoor children's chasing game particularly familiar in Ireland and the UK. Like many street and playground games, its precise origins are unclear, having developed organically through oral tradition passed down by children over generations, likely existing in various forms as early as the 16th Century.

The game typically involves one child designated as the 'Fox' (or 'Foxy'), who stands some distance away from the other players, often near a designated base or 'hole'. The other children usually creep towards the Fox, sometimes while reciting a specific chant or asking the Fox a question. At a certain point, either triggered by the chant or at random, the Fox turns around and chases the players, who must try to run back to their starting line or 'home' base without being tagged.

While rules vary, the game often incorporates specific chants or question-and-answer routines. Players might call out "Foxy's Hole!" or ask things like, "Foxy, Foxy, what time is it?" or "Foxy, Foxy, may we cross your golden river?". The Fox's response often dictates how players move or signals the beginning of the chase sequence back to safety. Sometimes, simpler chants like "Creeping, creeping..." are used as the players advance.