Irish Gothic Fairy Stories

Irish Gothic Fairy Stories gathers fairy tales and traditions from all 32 counties of Ireland, presenting the Sidhe through the distinct beliefs and folklore of different communities. Steve Lally and Paula Flynn Lally draw on material shared by folklorists, musicians, priests, academics, artists, poets, farmers, fishermen and storytellers.

These are not gentle Victorian fairies but beings regarded in Irish tradition with both reverence and fear. The collection includes accounts of changelings, stories of people taken into fairyland and customs intended to guard against such encounters, including placing iron across a cradle. Regional voices and James Patrick Ryan’s illustrations give the book a strong sense of place while preserving the darker edge of Irish fairy lore.