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Nuestro libro de lectura en 3º ESO

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All About Ireland presents many fascinating facts about this country. Visit beautiful areas like the Giant's Causeway and ancient monuments. Follow the Irish Troubles and see how peace was finally achieved. Read interesting myths, legends and traditions and how the Halloween tradition of "trick or treat" started.

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Info: 8 of the best Irish myths and legends

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Info: 8 of the best Irish myths and legends

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8 of the Best Irish Myths and Legends | The Temple Bar Pub

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Ready to be immersed in the magic of Irish storytelling? We are diving into the myths and legends of Ireland and will be meeting an array of characters.

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Introducing Irish folklore from Finn McCool to selkies to Ireland’s Pirate Queen. Learn about the myths and legends of Ireland.

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From Irish myths and legends starring warriors like Fionn Mac Cumhaill to slightly terrifying stories from Irish folklore, featuring the Abhartach (the Irish vampire), there was no shortage of tales to be told.

Irish Mythology boasts such a wide range of tales and stories, many of which have stood the test of time and are still present in Irish culture today.

In the guide below, we're going to give you an insight into where Irish mythology came from, the most popular Irish myths, and why it plays such an important part in Irish culture.

Popular Stories from Irish Mythology

Now, if you're looking to discover what Irish mythology is all about, scroll halfway down this guide. There you'll find what it actually is and you'll also learn about the different cycles of mythology in Ireland.

Many tales and stories that date back thousands of years have been told time and time again right the way across Ireland, usually passed from parent or teacher to child.

In the section below, you'll discover many of the most popular Irish myths. If you're looking to read about fairies, vampires and other slightly mad stories, drop into our Irish folklore section.

The story of the Salmon of Knowledge is one of my favourites that involves Fionn Mac Cumhaill. It all begins when a young Fionn is sent to be an apprentice with a celebrated poet named Finnegas.

It's during his time with Finnegas that Fionn learns of a magical fish that holds the knowledge of the world. According to the poet, the person who eats the fish will inherit all of its knowledge.

One day, while the pair were sat on the banks of the River Boyne, the poet caught a glimpse of the salmon and, without hesitating, he dived into the water and caught it.

He asked Fionn to cook it for him, but under no circumstances was he to eat it. Fionn agreed and went about cooking the Salmon. After a couple of minutes, Fionn turned the salmon and burned his thumb on the searing flesh.

Without thinking, he stuck his thumb into his mouth to ease the pain. He instantly realised his mistake.

The poet returned and he knew by the look on Fionn's face that something was wrong. You can read the full tale in our guide to the mighty Salmon of Knowledge.

The Cattle Raid of Cooley (AKA the Tain Bo Cuailnge) is one of the best-known stories that involves the warrior Cu Chulainn. The story begins with Queen Medb and an argument with her husband over who was wealthier.

Each had their servants pile up their riches in two piles side-by-side. It became immediately evident that the one thing Medb's husband had that she didn't was a champion bull.

Medb knew of only one bull in Ireland that would help her pip her husband. That very day she sent a servant to meet the owner and offer him great riches in exchange for a loan of the bull.

He was about to agree when he overheard one of Medb's servants state that they'd have stolen the bull if the man turned them down. He was infuriated and he denied Medb's request.

Medb was enraged and a battle began. However, this was no ordinary battle, oh no - on one side, there was Medb and hundreds of men. On the other, there was a young boy named Cu Chulainn. Read the full story in our guide to the Tain.

The story of the Banshee terrified me as a child. My dad used to say that there was one living down my Nan's back garden, and I'd always be nervous about seeing it.

Now, depending on who you speak to, Banshees (a terrifying Irish mythological creature!) take on different forms. Some say that it's a spirit, others describe it as a fairy, of sorts. I've also heard it described as a ragged old woman with wild hair.

The scream of a Banshee is believed to be an omen of death. According to legend, if a person hears the scream ring out, one of their family is set to pass away shortly.

But are Banshees real? Well, there's definitely a very clear link behind this myth and reality, and it comes in the form of the 'Keening Woman'. Learn the full tale in our guide to the Banshee.

Many years ago there lived a King called Lir who was the ruler of the Irish sea. The King was married to a woman named Eva and the couple had four kids. One day, when the kids were still little, their mother died.

Soon after, the King married Eva's sister, Aoife. Aoife was very fond of the kids at the start, but this changed. She quickly became jealous of the time that her husband spent with his kids.

Aoife soon reached breaking point and she came up with an evil plan. She decided that she would cast a spell that would transform the kids into swans for 900 years.

300 years were to be spent on Lake Derravaragh. Another 300 years were to be spent on the Sea of Moyle. And the final 300 were to be spent on the Island of Inish Glora. Read the full legend in our guide to the Children of Lir.

The Puca is a mischievous little creature that's often misunderstood as evil. Yes, the Puca can cause trouble and strife, but its interactions with humans have never lead to injury or death.

The Puca is one of many shape-shifters in Irish mythology and it has the ability to change its appearance with ease. Known to frequent quiet corners of rural Ireland, the Puca can bring either good or bad fortune.

One of the stories about the Puca that tends to be told quite a bit is how it takes on the appearance of a horse and waits outside pubs for people that have had one drink too many.

The Puca horse offers the person a lift home and, when they climb aboard, it takes them on a wild ride home, jumping over trees and through bushes, terrifying the person. Find out more about its tricky ways in our guide to the Puca.

The pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne all begins when Grainne, the daughter of Cormac MacAirt, is set to marry the warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill. It's at their engagement party that Grainne is first introduced to Diarmuid.

It was love at first sight. Now, Grainne had a problem - she needed to tell Diarmuid how she felt, but the room was full of people. So, she decided to drug the food and drink and wait for people to konk out.

Soon after, Grainne and Diarmuid were the only two left standing and it was then that Grainne expressed her feelings. At first, Diarmuid refused. Then he agreed and the two fled.

Sometime later the drugs wore off and Fionn realised what had happened. He set off on a journey to find the pair and to kill Diarmuid. Read the full story in our guide to the pursuit of Diramuid and Grainne.

The Morrigan was one of a number of powerful Celtic Gods and Goddesses that roamed the lands of Ireland at one point.

She was primarily associated with war, fate and death and was a known shape-shifter that often favoured transforming into a crow.

The Morrigan, like the Puca, was a gifted shape-shifter and was one of the Tuatha De Danann, who were the folk of the Goddess Danu.

The Goddess Morrigan had a number of battles with Cu Chulainn and although it wasn't at her hand that the warrior died, she was involved in the event that led to his death. Read more about the story in our guide to the Morrigan.

Tír na nÓg was the land of eternal youth that existed somewhere in the western sea. The story of Oisin and Tír na nÓg is one of the most popular tales from Irish mythology.

The story begins when Oisin was off hunting with the Fianna. Out of nowhere, a beautiful princess on a white horse appeared, stating that she wanted to take Oisin with her to Tír na nÓg.

For Oisin, it was love at first sight and he immediately agreed. The pair travelled across land and sea to reach Tír na nÓg and they spent three happy years there.

Then, Oisin felt homesick and it was agreed that he could return to Ireland once his feet never touched Irish soil. When Oisin arrived in Ireland, he realised that 3 years in Tír na nÓg was 300 years in Ireland.

He was devasted. But things got much worse. Discover what happened in our guide to Tír na nÓg.

9. The Legend of the Giant's Causeway

The legend of the Giants Causeway is one of the best know tales from Irish mythology. It stars a giant named Fionn Mac Cumhaill and it tells the story of his battle with a Scottish giant.

One day, Fionn was visited by a messenger from Scotland. The messenger had been sent by a Scottish giant who wanted to challenge the Irish giant to a fight.

Fionn agreed and he made his way to Scotland, using great chunks of land that now form the Giants Causeway. When Fionn reached Scotland, he saw his opponent in the distance.

The giant was huge. Fionn retreated to Ireland and came up with a cunning plan to terrify the Scottish giant. Read all about it in our guide to the Giant's Causeway legend.

The Abhartach is arguably the scariest of the many creatures to inhabit the worlds of Irish mythology. The story of the Abhartach all began with Patrick Weston Joyce, an Irish historian.

Joyce published a book in 1869 titled 'The Origin and History of Irish Names of Places.' It was in this book that the world was first introduced to the Abhartach. The Irish vampire.

The book contains a story about a place in Derry called Slaughtaverty. It was here where, many years ago, an evil dwarf that possessed magical powers lived.

The dwarf terrorised the local community until one day a local chieftain killed and buried it. It escaped the grave the following day and returned for blood. Read the full story in our guide to the Abhartach.

We were told many tales about Cu Chulainn growing up in Ireland, but it wasn't until many years later that I first heard the story of how he died.

The warrior's death came about when the sons of the men that he killed over the years came together to seek revenge. The story goes that Cu Chulainn's fate was sealed when he broke a taboo.

In ancient Ireland, the refusal of hospitality and the eating of dog meat were two well-known taboos. One day, while out hunting, Cu Chulainn was approached by an old hag who offered him dog meat.

If he said no, he'd break a taboo. If he said yes, he'd break a taboo. His hands were tied. He turned away the hospitality and, soon after, he entered his final battle. Learn all about it in our guide to Cu Chulainn.

The Tuatha dé Danann were the fiercest rulers to ever roam Ireland. They were a supernatural race that arrived in Ireland when it was ruled by the Fir Bolg.

When they landed in Ireland, they immediately travelled to the west to see the Fir Bolg and to demand half of Ireland. The Fir Bolg refused and a battle commenced.

The Tuatha dé Danann came out on top and they went on to rule Ireland for many years. Read all about this mysterious race in our guide to the Tuatha dé Danann.

What Actually is Irish Mythology?

Mythology refers to a collection of myths from many years ago that tell the stories of a group of people. Everyone from the Roman's to the Greeks had their own form of mythology.

It was within these narratives that gifted story-tellers explained how the world evolved to become what it is today. It's believed that Irish mythology dates back thousands of years to when the Celts arrived in Ireland.

Irish mythology falls into 4 different cycles. Each of the cycles (Mythology Cycle, Ulster Cycle, Fenian Cycle and Cycles of the Kings) are unique and are filled with different stories.

In the section below, you'll discover each cycle, what they're about and you'll also get an insight into the stories that belong to them.

The Mythological Cycle is the earliest cycle in Irish mythology. It revolves around a number of stories that feature 'godlike peoples'. Many of the stories from this cycle feature the Tuatha Dé Danann.

The Mythological Cycle tells of five invasions of Ireland that were paramount in the forming of the country. This cycle offers an insight into how the island of Ireland first came to be inhabited and it details the many struggles that followed those who came here.

Next up is the Ulster Cycle, which many say took place around the first century. It's during this cycle that we're introduced to many a warrior and mighty battle.

This cycle of Irish mythology brought us the warriors of King Conchabar, the most prominent of which is the legendary Cu Chulainn.

The Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology primarily focuses on the great warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his many exploits, like the legend of the Salmon of Knowledge.

This cycle tends to revolve around the institution of warriors, with the stories of the Fianna taking centre stage at the beginning.

The final cycle of Irish mythology is the Historical cycle. This cycle blends history with mythology and its main characters are Labraid Loingsech (myth) and Brian Boru (real).

The Cycles of the Kings dates to after Saint Patrick came to Ireland and it's said to have been influenced by Christian teachings.

FAQs about Irish legends

We've had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from 'What Irish myths are good for kids?' to 'What Irish legends are the creepiest?'.

In the section below, we've popped in the most FAQs that we've received. If you have a question that we haven't tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

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Irish Mythology: 12 Mighty Myths For 2023 (Enjoy)

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Like many who grew up in Ireland, Irish mythology featured in most of my bedtime stories.

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Ireland has many excellent stories that were told by people in Ireland long ago. These old tales were told around the fire on winter nights, long before people could read or write. We do not know how much truth these stories contain or how much was made up by the story-teller. The heroes in these stories and the people who listened to them were called the Celts. From their stories we know the Celts believed in gods and magic.

These stories were eventually categorised into groups called cycles, each cycle dealing with a common group of characters. This website contains many of the popular legends, which are mainly from the Ulster Cycle and the Fenian Cycle.
The Children of Lir The salmon of knowledge Fionn and the Fianna Oisín and Tír na Nóg The Giant's Causeway The story of Setanta The Cattle raid of Cooley Cuchulainn defends Ulster The Bull Fight The death of Cuchulainn

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This website contains the stories of many of Ireland's well known myths and legends.

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Info: 10 famous Irish myths and legends from folklore

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Info: 10 famous Irish myths and legends from folklore

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You've definitely heard of these ten famous myths and legends from Irish folklore! Which is your favourite of these famous Irish legends?

Mythology and Ireland go hand in hand. The Irish tradition of storytelling has been a staple of our popular culture since the dawn of time.

Irish songs, tales, and limericks spread the world as the Irish emigrated and some of the best-known stories can be recounted the world over.

Some of the earliest manuscripts covering Irish mythology date back to the late 11th and early 12th century. Other important sources from the 14th century are also often consulted. This highlights the significance of this popular tradition in Irish life throughout the centuries.

From fairy trees to Saint Patrick, this oral tradition has been part of the fabric of Irish life. So, here are the ten most famous myths and legends in Celtic and Irish mythology.

Our top facts about myths and legends from Irish folklore:

Irish folklore is full of mythical creatures like leprechauns, banshees, and fairies. These creatures have inspired culture both in Ireland and internationally.

Irish folklore often depicts a close relationship with nature, with geographical landmarks such as trees, wells, and hills, having significant roles in stories.

Icons of Irish folklore continue to appear regularly in contemporary Irish art.

Folk tales, like that of Finn MacCool and the Giant's Causeway, inform much of the experience at visitor attractions.

10. The fairies - living all around us

One of the best Irish myths and legends has got to be the belief in fairies. If you haven't heard of fairies, then you've likely been living under a rock as they're one of the better-known Irish legends.

Fairies were said to live in "cnocs agus sibhe". In Irish, this means mounds of earth, where the fairies are ruled by a king or queen.

Maybe you've heard of the Celtic myth of the banshee, written in Irish as "bean sídhe", known culturally as the "fairy woman of death".

It is said that if you hear her wailing and shrieking that there will soon be a death of someone you know. She cries to warn the family of upcoming death.

9. The Pooka - beware these shape changers

The pooka (or púca) are shape-changers that are some of the most feared creatures in Irish mythology and folklore. According to Irish stories, they were said to bring either good or bad fortune to those who saw them and were particularly feared around times of harvest.

They often frequented the form of a wild dog, with red sulphurous eyes, but could also take the form of a goblin or human with animal features. According to Celtic mythology, they are often written as evil and bloodthirsty.

Still, there are also tales of them warning humans of accidents or being harnessed as protection.

8. The message of the butterflies - full of good luck

According to Irish mythology and folklore, butterflies are said to move between worlds and bring messages and warnings. They are said to be souls, waiting to be reborn on earth.

This is perhaps why butterflies still play such a prominent role in material culture today, with a wide range of clothes, stationary, and other good coming decorated with butterflies.

Butterflies with dark wings were said to warn of bad news such as an attack or failed crop, while white and yellow butterflies were told to bring good news such as a birth or success.

So, next time you see a yellow butterfly, it might be a good idea to put a bet in at your local bookies.

7. Mermaids - stay away from these sirens!

The myth of mermaids in southern Europe tells of fair-faced, beautiful women. Irish legends and famous stories, however, describe cold water mermaids or "merrows" as pig-faced with sharp teeth.

In Ireland, mermaids would sometimes be referred to as 'merrows'. This term appeared in folktales throughout the 19th century.

A mermaid was said to be formed when a woman was drowned in the creation of Lough Neagh. They were also said to come ashore and have relationships with men, before leaving them and returning to the sea.

6. The leprechauns - the most famous little people

Leprechauns or "Leath bhrògan" are the cultural symbol of Ireland, with their names translated from 'shoemaker'. They were said to roam Ireland before humans, with a unique hat and red hair.

In oral tradition, it is still said that you can find their pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, so if you visit Ireland, be sure to have a look. Be careful though, leprechauns may look friendly, but they are not to be trusted.

These little people have been immortalised through famous stories, such as the Disney classic, Darby O'Gill and the Little People.

5. Macha, Goddess of the Horses - one of the best myths and legends from Irish folklore

An old Irish legend of Ulster tells of Macha, a mysterious woman rumoured to be magic, who was forced to run against the king's horses while pregnant to pay for her husband's crimes.

The pain she suffered caused her to cast a curse on the men of the town, who were said to suffer labour pains for nine decades following. She is often associated with Navan Fort in County Armagh.

4. The pixie in love - one for all those romantics

This Irish myth is about a leprechaun named Coll encountering an evil fairy named Aine who had transformed into a beautiful goblin. They spent hours talking, until the empress of malevolent fairies cast a hex on Aine, turning her into a magpie.

Coll consulted the queen of the good fairies who promised to remove the spell if Coll found her and confessed his love. Eventually, he did, and Aine was restored to her prior form.

3. The harp - the story behind our national symbol

It is said that evil gods stole the first harp from the Dagda, a king in Irish/Celtic mythology. The lack of music in Ireland caused sadness to pass over the country until Dagda turned to art to cheer them up.

Eventually the evil gods gave it back to them, and joy returned to the land. This is how the harp became a national icon of Ireland and became cemented in the folk music tradition, everyday life, and popular culture of Ireland.

Dagda was one of the most legendary heroes from Celtic folklore. He was a god of the Tuatha Dé Danann from the Mythological Cycle.

LEARN MORE: Our guide to Irish Celtic symbols and their meanings.

2. The shamrock - St. Patrick's teaching tool

This three-leafed clover is not only a feature of Celtic mythology, it was very important in Irish legend in the spread of Christianity.

It concerns St. Patrick (Saint Patrick) as he tried to educate the Celts on the Holy Trinity, but they could not understand what he was trying to say to them.

St. Patrick saw a clover before him and decided to use it to explain the three strands of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one.

The Celts finally understood what he meant, and that's how the shamrock became so important in Irish history and social tradition.

READ MORE: The Ireland Before You Die guide to the shamrock.

1. The Dullahan - the terrifying tale of the headless horseman

This fairy is known in Irish mythology and folklore as a headless rider on a black horse, carrying their head in their arm.

He was said to ride fast through the counties of Down and Sligo, and if he suddenly stopped, it meant that someone in the community was due to die.

This legend gave inspiration for the character in Sleepy Hollow, played by Johnny Depp.

Now you're equipped with knowledge of myths and legends from Irish folklore, you are safe to wander through the most rural parts of Ireland.

As the Irish emigrated throughout the world, they brought Irish mythology with them. They soon became one of the greatest storytelling countries in the world.

RELATED READ: The IB4UD guide to Irish monsters that will give you nightmares.

Other notable famous myths and legends from Irish folklore

Our top ten list of stories and figures from Celtic mythology is far from exhaustive. So, we are going to make some notable mentions that you should be aware of from Celtic folklore and Irish culture.

Irish heroes, such as Fionn mac Cumhaill and Cú Chulainn, are perhaps two of the most well-known. The Fenian Cycle tells the stories of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna.

Aside from the story of Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fenian Cycle, there are three other major cycles in Celtic myth. These are the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, and the Historical Cycle.

Also in this cycle is the Celtic myth of the son of Fionn mac Cumhaill, Oisín, who followed Niamh to Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth.

One of the most famous Irish heroes, Cú Chulainn, is associated with the Ulster Cycle. Cú Chulainn is reputed to have had superhuman fighting skills that make him one of the foremost legends from Celtic myth to this day.

The Tuatha Dé Danann are associated with the Mythological Cycle, the Fenian Cycle, and the Ulster Cycle. According to Celtic Myth, they were a supernatural race with special powers. The Mythological Cycle comprises various stories, most of which centre around the Tuatha Dé Danann.

The final cycle is called the Historical Cycle, which centres around the Ancient Kings.

Your questions answered about famous myths and legends from Irish folklore

In this section, we answer some of our readers' most frequently asked questions as well as those that often appear in online searches on this topic.

Is Celtic and Irish mythology the same?

Irish mythology is a form of Celtic mythology, alongside Welsh mythology, Scottish mythology, Cornish mythology, and Breton mythology.

What is the most famous myth in Ireland?

The story of Fionn mac Cumhaill or Cú Chulainn and the Tuatha Dé Danann of the Ulster Cycle are some of the most famous Celtic myths.

How many gods are there in Irish mythology?

The Irish pantheon includes over 400 gods.

What is an Irish fairy called?

Irish fairies are sometimes known as aos sí or aes sídhe.

What is an Irish elf called?

Leprechauns are comparable with elves in Irish folklore.

What are Irish Sidhe?

Sidhe refers to fairy folk in Ireland.

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The 10 most famous MYTHS and LEGENDS from Irish folklore

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