MAIN Home Life Holidays St. Patricks Day Irish Myths & Folklore

While cultures throughout Europe have similar stories of forest-dwelling elves or household mischief makers, Ireland boasts an entire litany of creatures. Some of them (Irish leprechauns, fairies, and screaming banshees) are as familiar to modern audiences today as any Disney tale.

However, dig deeper into Irish folklore and you'lll find even more exotic characters and creatures. These include the alluring kelpie who usually appears in the shape of horse, tempting women to ride off with him to their doom.

Another more familiar tale of the headless horseman, The Dullahan is actually of Irish descent, harking back to the Irish monster sometimes known for throwing a bucket of blood on his victims as he passed.

Even more lurid, the Erin isle is also the birthplace of the dearg-dur who was said to have risen from her grave each year to suck the blood of any unsuspecting man. Today, she is also infamous for figuring (with apologies to Transylvania) in history's earliest recorded vampire tale.

Just up ahead, learn more in our survey of the Web's richest resources for the retelling of Irish tales and legends. The Gaelic names may be strange at first, but the mythical stories (or are they?) will capture you in the end ....

More about Irish myths & legends around the Web:

The Luminarium - Irish literature, history, folklore, mythology and more are cataloged wide ranging information and lots of related resources... an excellent site!

Mythical Ireland - Weaving myth with archaeology and ancient astronomy, this site provides a good background of what was, along with updates on the latest discoveries.

Mything Links - Western / Celtic Traditions - One-stop browsing for links to a full gamut of Celtic stories & tales, fairy myths and folklore from Ireland, Wales, England and France.

Irish Mythology Trivia Quiz - This fun trivia site lists some quizzes that will test how well you know your Irish mythology. You can even add one of your own.

Also see -> Irish Blessings | St. Patricks Day Crafts

St. Patricks Day E-Cards | Gaelic Greetings | Irish Genealogy

St. Patricks Day Parades | St. Patricks Day Recipes