Currently browsing category

Myths and Tales

The Carnmoney Vicar and the Devil

The vicar of Carnmoney was a greedy sort for money So the histories of the time of him tell The Devil spotted …

When The Devil Was Beat by Duffy

A common folk story in Europe, in North Longford it was attributed to a local blacksmith as the hero of the tale, …

The Three Wishes of Willie the Wisp

Based on the story from the Folklore Commission https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5009178/4994671 There once was a blacksmith as broke as could be, Who no future …

Old Crone of Cairn Hill

Old Crone of Beara is said to have dropped stones that make up cairns on Cairn Hill in Longford. As with many legends, the stories vary, with some saying she was another personification of the Goddess Bridget… #Irishlegend #folklore

What Loss to Gain a King!

The foundation story of the Clan Eoghanachta, with the tragic death of Eoghan, and the craftiness of Díl the Druid…

Give Stonehenge Back to the Irish!

One legend states the stones of Stonehenge came from Killare in Westmeath, the Hill of Uisneach. When Merlins army failed to take them by force, he took them by majic, wanting “The Giants Ring” to make a monument to an army of his that died in battle.

Another legend says a Westmeath woman sold them to the devil. Which is true? We explore in rhyme…

The Cock and the Crock of Gold

The legend of the Cock and the Crock of Gold in Kilcormac, in the times of the Wars of the Molloys… The …

Flickering Candles Foretell Death

A tradition of foretelling a death from North Longford… From the Irish Folklore Commission In days gone by a tradition old Of …

Defense of a Church Mouse

Some sculptor scoundrel, storytellers and the sort Have slandered by folk, questioned our worth Made our reputation dirt, who in the church …

Lady of Lough Gowna

An eerie cry echos the evening air The mermaids plaintive song The saying among the folk that know Is there will be …

Restless Sídhe of Keeraun Hill

Keeraun Hill is a fairy fort, or ring fort, or Danish fort, call it what you will outside Banagher in County Offaly …

The Old Bond Store Ghost

 ghost tale from Tullamore retold in verse, first told by Walter Burke, former leasee of the bar in the Tullamore Dew Heritage …

Red Path of the Stag

Set free, running free, blood flowing, fleeing fast in fright Wild eyed, pursued, the stag takes to flight The tribesmen of the …

The Fairy Folk

“I know not” said the old, old man “Of if the stories true That the fairies dance, and one might chance To …

From Corn Hill His Spirit Watches

The latest of the restored poems to the website, from a couple of years back Upon that hilltop he does sleep His …