20 best books on irish folklore – 2023 reading list & recommendations

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Irish Folk and Fairy Tales

by W.B. Yeats

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Irish folklore? Look no further than Irish Folk and Fairy Tales by the legendary W.B. Yeats! This captivating book is a treasure trove of mythical creatures, magical adventures, and timeless tales that will transport you to the rolling green hills of Ireland.

Within the pages of this remarkable book on Irish folklore, Yeats weaves together a rich tapestry of stories passed down through generations. From mischievous leprechauns and graceful selkies to heroic warriors and powerful banshees, every character springs to life with vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling.

Yeats’ deep love for his homeland shines through every word, as he effortlessly transports readers to a world where the veil between the mortal realm and the supernatural is tantalizingly thin. Through his book about Irish folklore, he invites us to explore the magical landscapes of Ireland, where ancient legends and mythical beings still hold sway.

With its lyrical prose and timeless tales, Irish Folk and Fairy Tales is a must-read for anyone who wishes to delve into the heart and soul of Ireland. So, if you’re ready to embark on a breathtaking journey through the realms of magic and wonder, this Irish folklore book is waiting to transport you to a world where the extraordinary becomes ordinary.

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Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes

by Philip Freeman

Step into the enchanting world of Celtic Mythology: Tales of Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes by Philip Freeman. This mesmerizing book on Irish folklore will transport you to a realm filled with ancient magic, epic battles, and timeless legends.

Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology. Freeman expertly weaves together tales of heroes and heroines, gods and goddesses, and the magnificent landscapes of Ireland and Scotland. From the mighty warrior Cú Chulainn to the mysterious goddess Brigid, these tales of Irish folklore will leave you spellbound.

Immerse yourself in the epic adventures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the divine race of gods and goddesses who ruled over Ireland in a bygone era. Discover the awe-inspiring powers of Lugh, the god of light, and the fierce strength of Morrigan, the goddess of war. Each story unfolds with a sense of wonder, drawing you deeper into the mystical world of Celtic mythology.

Freeman’s meticulous research and storytelling prowess bring these ancient legends to life, making this book about Irish folklore a must-read for both mythology enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. Whether you’re seeking tales of heroism, love, or treachery, this collection has it all.

So, embark on a journey through the realms of Celtic mythology with this captivating Irish folklore book. Let the ancient gods and goddesses guide you through their extraordinary tales, and be prepared to be enthralled by the magic and wonder that awaits.

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The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries

by W.Y. Evans-Wentz

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries is a captivating exploration of the mystical world of Irish folklore. Written by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, this enchanting book delves into the rich traditions and beliefs surrounding fairies in Celtic countries.

Evans-Wentz takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the realms of myth and legend, shedding light on the magical beings that have captured the imaginations of generations. This remarkable book about Irish folklore uncovers the deep-rooted connection between humans and fairies, exploring the rituals, stories, and encounters that have shaped the fairy faith in Celtic countries.

Prepare to be transported to a world where the veil between reality and fantasy is thin, as you uncover the secrets of the fairy realms. Delve into the captivating tales of changelings, fairy abductions, and other supernatural encounters that have shaped the beliefs of the Celtic people.

Evans-Wentz’s meticulous research and passionate storytelling make this book on Irish folklore a true gem for anyone interested in the mystical and magical. From the ancient druids to modern-day folk traditions, the author unravels the threads that connect the fairy-faith across time and space.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of fairies and explore the depths of Irish folklore, The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries is the perfect companion. Let yourself be immersed in a world where enchantment awaits at every turn, and where the lines between reality and myth blur into a tantalizing dance of the supernatural.

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The Táin: From the Irish Epic Táin Bó Cuailnge

by Ciaran Carson

The Táin: From the Irish Epic Táin Bó Cuailnge by Ciaran Carson is a captivating book on Irish folklore that will transport you to the ancient world of warriors and legends. This spellbinding tale revolves around the legendary hero Cú Chulainn and his heroic deeds during the mythical cattle raid of Cooley. The author, Ciaran Carson, expertly weaves together the threads of Irish mythology, history, and language, creating a vivid tapestry of words that will leave you breathless. With its rich descriptions, epic battles, and mythical creatures, this book about Irish folklore is a must-read for anyone who craves adventure and a deeper understanding of the ancient tales that have shaped Ireland’s cultural heritage. Prepare to be enchanted as you embark on this journey into the heart of Irish folklore.

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The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore

by Patricia Monaghan

The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore by Patricia Monaghan is a treasure trove of knowledge for those fascinated by the enchanting world of Celtic legends and traditions. This immersive book on Irish folklore invites readers to delve deep into the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology, where ancient tales and mystical creatures come to life.

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The Book of Irish Legends

by Michael Scott

Welcome to The Book of Irish Legends, a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and myth. This extraordinary compilation of stories by Michael Scott delves deep into the heart of Ireland’s ancient traditions, bringing to life the enchanting tales and mystical creatures that have fascinated generations.

Immerse yourself in the world of fairies, leprechauns, and magical beings as you traverse the pages of this stunning book on Irish folklore. From the heroic deeds of legendary warriors like Cú Chulainn to the haunting beauty of the Banshee’s wail, each story is a window into a realm where the extraordinary becomes ordinary.

Scott’s masterful storytelling weaves together a tapestry of adventure, romance, and timeless wisdom, drawing you into a world where ancient prophecies and epic battles shape the destiny of the Emerald Isle. Whether you are a dedicated enthusiast of Irish folklore or simply wish to discover the magic of these captivating tales, this book is your gateway to a world of wonder and enchantment.

Through his vivid descriptions and vivid illustrations, Scott takes you on a journey across Ireland’s lush landscapes, from misty moors to ancient castles, painting a vivid picture of a land steeped in myth and mystery. With each turn of the page, you will find yourself immersed in a different story, each more captivating than the last.

Uncover the secrets of the Sidhe, Ireland’s mystical fairy folk, and learn the ancient wisdom passed down through the ages. Discover the true meaning behind the Claddagh ring, a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. Explore the legendary tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the gods and goddesses of Irish mythology, and witness their epic battles against the forces of darkness.

With its beautiful illustrations, engaging narratives, and wealth of knowledge, The Book of Irish Legends is a book about Irish folklore that will transport you to a world where legends come alive. So, embark on this magical journey and let the wonders of Ireland’s mythical past unfold before your eyes.

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The Celtic Twilight

by W.B. Yeats

The Celtic Twilight by W.B. Yeats is a mesmerizing journey into the enchanting world of Irish folklore. This captivating book immerses readers in a realm filled with mystical creatures, ancient legends, and timeless tales. With his lyrical prose, Yeats transports us to a realm where fairies dance in moonlit glades, where spirits whisper secrets in the wind, and where the veil between the mortal and magical grows thin. Through his writings, Yeats breathes life into the rich tapestry of Irish folklore, unveiling the hidden treasures of a culture steeped in myth and magic. Delve into this extraordinary book and unlock the secrets of the Celtic Twilight, a world that will leave you spellbound.

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Irish Fairy and Folk Tales

by William Butler Yeats

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Irish legends and folklore? Look no further than Irish Fairy and Folk Tales, a captivating book by the brilliant William Butler Yeats.

This mesmerizing collection of stories takes you on a journey through the mystical realm of Irish folklore, where ancient myths and magical creatures come to life. From mischievous fairies and brave warriors to wise old witches and cunning leprechauns, this book is a treasure trove of captivating tales that will transport you to a world steeped in wonder and enchantment.

With his eloquent prose and deep understanding of Irish culture, Yeats masterfully weaves together these timeless stories, preserving the rich heritage of Irish mythology for generations to come. Each page is filled with vivid descriptions and vivid imagery, painting a vivid picture of the lush landscapes, ancient castles, and ethereal creatures that inhabit the Emerald Isle.

Whether you’re a fan of folklore, an admirer of Yeats’ literary prowess, or simply seeking an escape into a world of magic and wonder, this book is an absolute must-read. So grab a cozy blanket, curl up by the fire, and allow yourself to be transported to a land where legends come alive and dreams become reality.

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The Mythology of the British Isles

by Charles Squire

Welcome to the enchanting world of The Mythology of the British Isles, a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of legends, myths, and folklore that have shaped the lands of the British Isles for centuries. If you are seeking a deep dive into the captivating realm of Irish folklore, look no further! This mesmerizing book on Irish folklore, penned by the brilliant Charles Squire, will transport you to a realm of mystery and magic.

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The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies

by Robert Kirk

Are you ready to dive into a mesmerizing world filled with enchantment and wonder? Look no further than The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns, and Fairies by Robert Kirk, a captivating book on Irish folklore. This extraordinary masterpiece takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the mystical realm of fairies, unveiling their secrets and revealing their hidden society.

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The Mabinogion

by Sioned Davies

Sioned Davies has crafted a captivating book on Irish folklore that will transport you to a world of ancient legends and enchanting tales. In her masterful retelling of The Mabinogion, Davies breathes new life into these age-old stories, captivating readers with her lyrical prose and vivid storytelling.

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The Sidhe: Wisdom from the Celtic Otherworld

by John Matthews

Step into the magical world of the Celtic Otherworld with ‘The Sidhe: Wisdom from the Celtic Otherworld’ by John Matthews. This captivating book on Irish folklore takes you on a journey through the mystical realms of the sidhe, the fairy folk of ancient Celtic mythology.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Celtic legends and discover the hidden wisdom and enchantment that lies within. Explore the intricate web of stories, myths, and beliefs that have been passed down through generations, offering profound insights into the human experience.

Matthews, a renowned expert on Celtic mythology, weaves together a tapestry of tales that transport you to a world where magical beings and humans coexist. Through his expert storytelling, he brings to life the vibrant characters of the sidhe, from mischievous leprechauns to wise and powerful faeries.

This book about Irish folklore is not just a collection of stories; it delves deep into the spiritual and philosophical aspects of Celtic mythology. Matthews explores the themes of love, death, nature, and the eternal quest for wisdom, providing thought-provoking insights into the human condition.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Irish folklore books or new to the wonders of Celtic mythology, ‘The Sidhe’ is sure to captivate your imagination. Lose yourself in the enchanting tales and let the wisdom of the sidhe guide you on a journey of self-discovery and understanding.

With its beautifully illustrated pages and evocative storytelling, ‘The Sidhe: Wisdom from the Celtic Otherworld’ is a must-read for anyone seeking to uncover the hidden depths of Celtic mythology and the timeless wisdom it holds.

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The Penguin Book of Irish Folktales

by Patrick Kennedy

Step into a world of enchantment and wonder with The Penguin Book of Irish Folktales by Patrick Kennedy. This extraordinary collection is a treasure trove of captivating stories, passed down through generations, that transport readers to the mystical realms of Irish folklore. Prepare to be enchanted by these tales steeped in myth and magic, as they whisk you away to a land where fairies dance, giants roam, and leprechauns guard their pots of gold.

Within the pages of this book on Irish folklore, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of ancient traditions, superstitions, and legends that have shaped the Irish identity for centuries. From heroic warriors battling fearsome creatures to cunning tricksters outwitting their adversaries, these stories are a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of the Irish people.

Immerse yourself in the vivid landscapes of Ireland as you journey through tales of love, betrayal, and adventure. Feel the thrill of the chase as you follow brave heroes on their quests, and let your imagination run wild as you encounter shape-shifting creatures and supernatural beings lurking in the shadows.

Whether you’re a fervent admirer of Irish culture or simply seeking an escape into a world of fantasy, this book about Irish folklore is a must-read. With its lyrical prose and captivating narratives, it will transport you to a realm where legends come to life and the boundaries between reality and myth blur.

So, grab a cozy blanket, brew a cup of tea, and lose yourself in the magic of Irish folklore with The Penguin Book of Irish Folktales. Prepare to be captivated, enchanted, and forever changed by the timeless stories that have captured the hearts of generations. Dive into this Irish folklore book and let the ancient spirits guide you on an unforgettable journey.

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The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries

by W.Y. Evans-Wentz

The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries, written by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, is a captivating exploration into the enchanting world of Irish folklore. This mesmerizing book delves deep into the rich cultural traditions and beliefs surrounding fairies in Celtic countries.

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The Celtic Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends

by Miranda Aldhouse-Green

Are you ready to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting world of Celtic mythology? Look no further than The Celtic Myths: A Guide to the Ancient Gods and Legends by Miranda Aldhouse-Green. This captivating book on Irish folklore will transport you to a realm filled with gods, goddesses, heroes, and magical creatures.

Step into a world where ancient tales come alive, where the lines between reality and myth blur, and where the gods themselves shape the destinies of mortals. Aldhouse-Green delves deep into the heart of Irish folklore, unraveling the intricate stories and legends that have been passed down through generations.

With meticulous research and a passion for storytelling, Aldhouse-Green guides us through an immersive exploration of the Celtic pantheon. Discover the mighty Tuatha Dé Danann, the divine beings who ruled over ancient Ireland, and the epic adventures of heroes like Cú Chulainn and Finn MacCool.

But this book is not just a retelling of myths; it is a comprehensive guide that illuminates the cultural and historical context behind these captivating tales. Aldhouse-Green delves into the archaeology, art, and literature of the Celtic world, providing a rich tapestry of knowledge that brings these myths to life.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Irish folklore or a curious newcomer, this book about Irish folklore is a treasure trove of wisdom and enchantment. Immerse yourself in the magical realm of gods and legends, and let Aldhouse-Green be your guide through the captivating world of Celtic mythology.

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The Irish Fairy Book

by Alfred Perceval Graves

The Irish Fairy Book by Alfred Perceval Graves is a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of Irish folklore. This mesmerizing collection of tales is an absolute treasure trove for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich and magical traditions of Ireland.

With every turn of the page, readers will find themselves transported to a world filled with mischievous leprechauns, wise fairies, and brave heroes. This book is a gateway to a land where legends come alive, where ancient myths intertwine with everyday life, and where the supernatural meets the ordinary.

Graves, a master storyteller and scholar, weaves together a tapestry of captivating narratives that showcase the beauty and depth of Irish folklore. His vivid descriptions and evocative language bring to life the mystical landscapes, colorful characters, and timeless wisdom that have been passed down through generations.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Irish folklore or a newcomer to this magical world, The Irish Fairy Book is sure to captivate and inspire. So grab a cup of tea, cozy up by the fire, and allow yourself to be transported to a realm where anything is possible. Venture into the heart of Irish mythology and discover the wonders that await you in this extraordinary book.

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The Mythology of the British Isles

by Geoffrey Ashe

Are you ready to embark on a mystical journey through the enchanting world of the British Isles? Look no further than The Mythology of the British Isles by Geoffrey Ashe, a captivating book that delves deep into the rich tapestry of Irish folklore.

This remarkable tome is not just any book about Irish folklore; it is a treasure trove of ancient legends, mythical creatures, and epic tales that have been passed down through generations. As you flip through its pages, you will be transported to a world where heroes rise, gods and goddesses reign supreme, and magic is woven into the very fabric of life.

Geoffrey Ashe, a renowned scholar in the field, skillfully weaves together a collection of captivating stories that will leave you spellbound. From the legendary Tuatha Dé Danann, the mythical race of gods and goddesses, to the heroic deeds of the legendary warrior Cú Chulainn, each tale unfolds with a sense of wonder and awe.

But this book on Irish folklore is not just a mere retelling of ancient stories. Ashe goes beyond the surface, offering insights into the cultural and historical context of each myth. Through his expertise, he illuminates the enduring significance of these tales, revealing how they have shaped the identity and imagination of the Irish people throughout the ages.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Irish folklore or a curious newcomer to this magical realm, The Mythology of the British Isles is an essential companion that will transport you to a world where legends come alive. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy nook, and prepare to be captivated by the wonders of Irish mythology.

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The Celtic Heroic Age: Literary Sources for Ancient Celtic Europe and Early Ireland and Wales

by John T. Koch

The Celtic Heroic Age: Literary Sources for Ancient Celtic Europe and Early Ireland and Wales by John T. Koch is an enthralling exploration of the rich tapestry of ancient Celtic legends and myths. This captivating book delves deep into the heart of Irish folklore, unearthing a treasure trove of ancient tales and traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of Ireland and Wales.

With meticulous research and expert analysis, Koch brings to life the heroic age of the Celts, a time when mighty warriors, magical creatures, and epic battles filled the pages of ancient manuscripts. Drawing on a wide range of literary sources, including ancient Irish sagas and Welsh poems, this book paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, where heroes like Cú Chulainn and King Arthur roamed the land.

Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious reader seeking to delve into the depths of Irish folklore, this book is a must-read. Koch’s masterful storytelling and scholarly expertise make this work both accessible and enlightening, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Celtic mythology.

From the heroic deeds of legendary warriors to the enchanting tales of supernatural beings, The Celtic Heroic Age captures the essence of Irish folklore and provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Celtic imagination. So, if you’re in search of a captivating book about Irish folklore or an intriguing exploration of the ancient Celtic world, look no further than The Celtic Heroic Age by John T. Koch.

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The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries

by W.Y. Evans-Wentz

The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries, written by W.Y. Evans-Wentz, is a captivating exploration of the enchanting world of Celtic folklore. If you’re searching for a mesmerizing journey into the realms of the mystical, this book on Irish folklore is an absolute must-read.

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The Táin: Translated from the Irish Epic Táin Bó Cuailnge

by Thomas Kinsella

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey through the rich tapestry of Irish folklore? Look no further than The Táin, a captivating translation of the ancient epic Táin Bó Cuailnge by the talented Thomas Kinsella. This magnificent book on Irish folklore will transport you to a world of heroes and warriors, where epic battles and mythical creatures reign supreme.