Louth Folk Tales

Catch a glimpse of the spirit of Ireland in the entertaining company of professional storyteller Doreen McBride as she recounts the local tales, ancient and modern, of County Louth. You will hear of the doomed love of Lassara and her harpist who haunt the waters of Carlingford Lough, of the origin of the River Boyne and of the jumping church at Kildemock. You will also discover St Brigid’s association with Faughart, how the Hound of Ulster recovered from war wounds on the Death Mound of Du Largy, and where you might find leprechaun gold. And on the way you will encounter a killer cat, a fairy horse and the Salmon of Knowledge – as well as some talkative toes.From age-old legends and fantastical myths, to amusing anecdotes and cautionary tales, this collection is a heady mix of bloodthirsty, funny, passionate and moving stories. It will take you into a remarkable world where you can let your imagination run wild.

Catch a glimpse of the spirit of Ireland in the entertaining company of professional storyteller Doreen McBride as she recounts the local tales, ancient and modern, of County Louth. You will hear of the doomed love of Lassara and her harpist who haunt the waters of Carlingford Lough, of the origin of the River Boyne and of the jumping church at Kildemock. You will also discover St Brigid's association with Faughart, how the Hound of Ulster recovered from war wounds on the Death Mound of Du Largy, and where you might find leprechaun gold. And on the way you will encounter a killer cat, a fairy horse and the Salmon of Knowledge – as well as some talkative toes. From age-old legends and fantastical myths, to amusing anecdotes and cautionary tales, this collection is a heady mix of bloodthirsty, funny, passionate and moving stories. It will take you into a remarkable world where you can let your imagination run wild.

Folktales from County Louth, illustrated by Deaglán Mac Giolla Cearra. In the late 1930s the Irish Folklore Commission initiated a project to collect the folklore of the nation. Schoolchildren were recruited to assist in the task of recording local stories, legends and beliefs. The result was the 'Bailiúchan na Scol', or the 'Schools' Collection', compiled from over two million handwritten pages. The stories illustrated herein are adaptations of only a few of these stories; some will be familiar, others not so much. But they all remind us of the rich heritage of Irish storytelling.

Lincolnshire, a county with many variations in the dialect, once nurtured many folk tales, and though these stories may no longer be told as often as they once were, they still resonate within the rural landscape. From the dark tales of the Black Dog that would cross the marshes at night, and the Lincolnshire Imp that haunted Lincoln Cathedral, to the humorous tales of the Lad that went to look for Fools and the Farmer and the Boggart, so many of these tales are rooted in the county and take us back to a time when the people would huddle around the fire in the mud and stud cottages to while away the long winter evenings. Such nights would also inspire the telling of tales of witches, fairies, ghosts, giants and dragons. These tales will be of interest to modern readers (and storytellers), both within Lincolnshire and elsewhere.

Most vols. for 1890- contain list of members of the Folk-lore Society.

Few countries can boast such a plentitude of traditional folktales as Ireland. In 1935, the creation of The Irish Folklore Commission set in motion the first organized efforts of collecting and studying a multitude of folktales, both written as well as those of the Irish oral tradition. The Commission has collected well over a million pages of manuscripts. Folktales of Ireland offers chief archivist Sean O'Sullivan's representation of this awe-inspiring collection. These tales represent the first English language collection of Gaelic folktales. "Without doubt the finest group of Irish tales that has yet been published in English."—The Guardian "O'Sullivan writes out of an intimacy with his subject and an instinctive grasp of the language of the originals. He tells us that his archives contain more than a million and a half pages of manuscript. If Mr. O'Sullivan translates them, I'll read them."—Seamus Heaney, New Statesman "The stories have an authentic folktale flavor and will satisfy both the student of folklore and the general reader."—Booklist

Meath, the ‘Royal County’, has a rich heritage of myths and legends which is uniquely captured in this collection of traditional tales from across the county.Here you will find tales of the first occupation of Ireland and the exploits of St Patrick and Colmcille along with stories of witches, hags, ghosts and fairies. As well as the legends of the Hill of Tara, the ancient political capital and enduring spiritual heartland of Ireland.In a vivid journey through Meath’s varied landscape, local storyteller Richard Marsh takes the reader to places where legend and landscape are inseparably linked.

This enchanting collection of stories gathers together legends from across Ireland in one special volume. Drawn from The History Press' popular Folk Tales series, herein lies a treasure trove of tales from a wealth of talented storytellers. From fairies, giants and vampires to changelings and witches, this book celebrates the distinct character of Ireland's different customs, beliefs and dialects, and is a treat for all who enjoy a well-told story.

Fermanagh Folk Tales