Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature

Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature gathers Irish terms for animals, birds, fish, insects, plants and the wider natural world. Manchán Magan shows how these words can carry vivid observations, folklore and imaginative associations, rather than simply naming what appears in the landscape.

A squirrel becomes a ‘tree dog’ in madra crainn, while foxglove is described through méiríní na mban sí, or ‘banshee fingers’. Other entries consider words for rain, twilight, changing levels of light, colour and ways of communicating with animals. Written for younger readers but suitable for all ages, the book presents Irish vocabulary alongside Steve Doogan’s illustrations, offering a distinctive view of Ireland’s flora, fauna and traditions.