From the saints of the Dark Ages to modern-day sinners, Galway Bay is the source of some of Ireland's most magical tales. In this book local storyteller Rab Fulton takes the reader through Galway's past, recalling the myths and legend's that shaped the area's history – from the quarrelsome giants who in their rage created the Aran Isles to the corpse that flew through the air at the very first Galway Arts Festival. Also featuring tales of magic swans, miraculous nuns, a city beneath the waves and a cannibal king, this is a great companion for any visit to the county, for fascinating days out and finding exciting treasure on your doorstep.

Those magic words 'Once upon a time' have been spoken around the flickering flame of the turf fire by storytellers for thousands of years. In this book, author Tony Locke has gathered together the rich tapestry of stories that make up the folklore, myth and legend of County Mayo. This book will take you on a journey through the rugged landscape of the west coast of Ireland, to its holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, and across the foaming waters of Clew Bay. Here you will read of Gráinne Ní Mháille, the Pirate Queen, the spectre known as the Fír Gorta who roamed the famine villages of west Mayo, the monsters that inhabit the deep waters of Lough Mask and the Matchstick Man of Straide. You will also read of the Love Flower and two young lovers, the land of eternal youth that is Tír na nÓg and the night of the Big Wind. So why not pull up a chair and sit awhile? You know you're never too old for a story.

The Little Book of Mayo is a compendium of fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts about County Mayo. Here you will find out about Mayo's natural history, its myth and legend, its proud sporting heritage – particularly its long-running quest for Sam – and its famous (and occasionally infamous) men and women. Through quaint villages and bustling towns, this book takes the reader on a journey through County Mayo and its vibrant past. A reliable reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped into time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage and the secrets of this ancient county.

County Armagh, the Orchard County, abounds in folk tales, myths and legends and a selection of the best, drawn from historical sources and newly recorded local reminiscence, have been brought to life here by local storyteller Frances Quinn.Armagh is the place where, legend has it, the warrior king Conor Mac Nessa once ruled and where Deirdre of the Sorrows met her lover Naoise. It is where St Mochua’s Well was said to curse, not cure and where evidence of St Patrick’s disagreement with a bull can still be seen. And it is where Mrs Lester lived to a ripe old age – many years after her burial. It is also said to be the home of a plethora of strange and magical creatures and stories abound of encounters with fairies, dragons, ghosts, witches and even a giant pig. 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.

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

Bestselling author Malachy McCourt recounts the story of the Claddagh ring, a timeless symbol of friendship, loyalty, and love formed by two clasped hands and worn by millions in Ireland and around the world. He celebrates this beloved Irish cultural icon through vivid anecdotes, charming folk tales, and recent incidents. The titular bauble-a pair of hands clasping a crowned heart with the motto "Let love and friendship reign"--is a traditional Irish emblem passed from mothers to daughters and granddaughters, exchanged by betrothed couples or given to friends, and worn by Queen Victoria, Jennifer Aniston and the rock band U2. McCourt ... is wary of the subject's potential to evoke "dreary sentimentality, enough to make a person vomit," but he steadies himself and gives a pleasant rundown of associated lore-a classic Irish mixture of improbable legend and historical tragedy. -Publishers Weekly