Legends, myths and fairytales of the Emerald Isle
21 February 2023
Romantic poetry, timeless ballads and superstitions that have been in place for centuries, Ireland is more than just a holiday destination, it’s an inspiring, spiritual land where the veil between our world and the world of legend is thin. From the mischievous Púca to the secretive leprechauns, Ireland is full of colourful characters and mystical creatures, and the landscapes hold more secrets that show this other world than meets the eye.
Balor of the Piercing Eye - Balor Birugderc
The figure that started the greatest lineage in all of Ireland’s mythology, the malevolent cyclops Balor was the chief king of a race of beings known as the Fomoire. It was said that his eye held so much evil that it brought destruction to all that it looked upon. Among the ancient forts, megalithic tombs and serene landscapes of Achill Island there is what’s known as the giant’s grave, which many believe could be this gargantuan tyrant’s final resting place.
Faeries –Aos Sí
Far from the cuddly figures we’ve come to think of, fairies aren’t considered supernatural but are very real creatures that live alongside us, unseen yet influential. Fairies can be prideful, elegant creatures that have been known to cause chaos if they feel disrespected. It’s not uncommon to see people leave offerings outside their homes even today in order to keep themselves and their families in the fairies’ favour. There’s even tales of fairies employing humans to work for them, and after seven years of service, the human would return from the land of fairies with a magical reward.
Selkie - Selkie
It’s not just the land that holds these fantastical creatures, the waters of Ireland are said to be home to the Selkies, seal-like creatures that swim in the oceans then shed their coats on the shore to become human. Unlike their mermaid and siren relatives, selkies can go back and forth between the human world and the sea by means of their magical coat. It is said that if you take a selkie’s coat they will be bound to you until it is returned, or if you go to the ocean and weep seven tears into the water, a selkie will appear and offer you a coat of your own so you can escape your sorrows and join them for a free life under the sea.
Banshee – Bean Sí
Of all the creatures from the folklore of the Emerald Isle, none are more fearsome than the Banshee. Known as the ‘otherworldly woman’, this eerie presence is a female spirit that is said to shriek and wail, (usually in the dead of night) in order to foreshadow the death of a family member. This terrible act of heraldry combined with her frightening ghostly appearance makes the Banshee one of the only figures in Irish myth that no one wants to see.
The Blarney Stone - Cloch na Blarnan
The exact story behind this infamous stone remains a mystery to this day, but as is known across the world, a kiss to the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle is said to bestow the kisser with a profound eloquence known as the ‘gift of the gab’. In the early days this was no easy feat as you would have to be held upside down over the parapet of the castle to be able to reach it, risking life and limb to receive the stone’s gifts! From celebrities to politicians, important figures throughout history have stopped by the castle to pucker up, hoping to reap the benefits of the stone’s magical attributes. Whether or not the tale is true, there’s no denying the charm of a lilting Irish voice, one that can be replicated by any means of magic.
Finn McCool – Fionn mac Cumhail
Finn McCool was a legendary warrior who built the incredible Giant’s Causeway, wildly considered to be one of the great natural wonders of the world, as a way to get to Scotland to fight another giant called Benandonner. Eventually Benandonner came to Ireland and when he saw McCool disguised as a child, he feared the child’s father must be much bigger than him, so the Scottish giant fled home, tearing up the causeway as he went. All that remains are the ends of that former path, but what spectacular remains they are.
Visit the Emerald Isle
Ready to experience the beauty of the Emerald Isle for yourself? Mixing urban charm, lush green hills and glorious heritage, the magic of Ireland awaits us on our 5-day A Taste of Ireland Inclusive Spectacular break. Explore some of the beautiful highlights of this storied landscape, including the famously friendly city of Dublin, the filming location for the BBC drama Ballykissangel, Avoca Village, and the historical town of Wexford.