Wolf-Men and Water Hounds

Wolf-Men and Water Hounds gathers Irish legends linked to landscapes, landmarks and creatures, travelling province by province through the island. Manchán Magan introduces the stories associated with each place while drawing attention to Irish words and phrases embedded in local tradition.

Among the accounts are the dobharchú, or water hound, of Achill Island; Cailcheir, the enchanted sow associated with Sligo’s Keash Caves; and the ollphéist, or great serpent, said to belong to the Burren. The book also records the Caoránach, a hairy worm connected with Lough Derg, Ballyshannon’s one-eyed salmon and the man-wolves of Ossory in County Kilkenny. Steve Doogan’s illustrations accompany this survey of Ireland’s legendary beasts and enchanted places.