Folklore and traditions
Legends and fairy lore
Legends of saints, heroes and the fairies attached to particular places. 45 sites across 14 counties.
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Folklore on ErinSites is quoted from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (or, when marked, from visitors). It records what people said or believed about a place; it is not presented as historical fact.
- Faunarooska, Rathborney, Wedge Tomb Cl. 4 Megalithic tomb · Faunarooska (Rathborney Ed), Co. Clare
Robinson (1977) marks the ‘hoofmarks of the Glas Ghaibhneach cow’, of the legendary smith Lon Mac Liofa, just SE of here.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Muckinish Castle Castle · Muckinish East, Co. Clare
The castle is known locally as ‘Muckinish nua’ a name Westropp (1895, 280) attributed to a legend that it was built three years after Seanmuckinish castle (CL003-002----).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kanturk Castle Castle · Paal East, Co. Cork
A number of legends are associated with the building of Kanturk (see Kelly 1896), but its exact date of construction is conjectural; Craig (1982, 117), following Leask (1941, 126), suggests before 1609, though the 3rd-floor fireplace in the E wall is similar…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Ladys Well Holy well · Tyrrelstown, Co. Dublin
Formerly a pattern day was held on the 8th of September (Ó Danachair 1958-60, 76; Daly 1957, 19).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Colmcille's Well Holy well · Oldcourt, Co. Dublin
The water is traditionally thought to cure sore eyes, ears and throat.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Townparks Holy Well Holy well · Townparks (Nethercross By.), Co. Dublin
Traditionally associated with St. Columb\Columba\Colmcille.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church Ancient church · Townparks (Galway By., St. Nicholas Par.), Co. Galway
Legend has it that he rescued these from ruin by throwing three bags of money (shown on the seal to the right of the saint) in through their window.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Caherconree Promontory Fort Promontory fort · Ballyarkane Oughter,Beheenagh (Corkaguiny By.), Co. Kerry
Caherconree derives its name from its legendary builder, Cú Raoi Mac Daire.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Johns Well - Tobar Eoin Holy well · Cill Mhuire (Tc An Mhín Aird), Co. Kerry
Rounds are made here on the 29th of August and a pattern was formerly held on the same day (Ó Danachair 1960, 76).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Inchcleraun Early Medieval Ecclesiastical Site Monastic site · Inchcleraun, Co. Longford
According to legend, the island is named after Clothra, sister of the mythical Medbh/Meave, Queen of Connaught but in the 19th century it was known as ‘Quaker’s Island’ (AFM vol. 3, 98).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Skreen Church Ancient church · Skreen, Co. Meath
Located on the summit of Skreen Hill with wide views out in every direction; the S-N ridge of Tara is the most prominent feature visible c. 3.5km to the W. An early monastery was established at Achall (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 44), which was named after a…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Queen Maeves Tomb Knocknarea Megalithic tomb · Knocknarea South, Co. Sligo
Its flat-topped silhouette is a miniature version of the squat bulk of the mountain itself, which rises abruptly from the fertile coastal grasslands of the Cúil Irra peninsula, flanked by Ballysadare Bay to S and Sligo Bay to N. It is one of the most iconic…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
- Saint Iberius' Church, Wexford Ancient church · Wexford, Co. Wexford
The parish church of St Iberius is at the N end of the Norse town and on the E side of North Main St. It is named after St. Ibar or Iobhar of Begerin (WX038-004001-), who is one of the most mythologized saints in Ireland (Ó Riain 2011, 381-2).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - The 'Grianán of Aileach' Hillfort · Speenoge,Toulett,An Cheathrú Riabhach (Tc An Bheart), Co. Donegal
There is much legendary and historical material associated with Aileach and the Irish annals record its destruction in 1101.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Brideswell Commons, Co. Dublin
Still visited, especially for the cure of sore eyes.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lynch's Castle Castle · Townparks (Galway By., St. Nicholas Par.), Co. Galway
It was certainly the home of a very wealthy member of the Lynch family and was reputedly the residence of Thomas Lynch fitz Andrew, mayor of Galway in 1654, who was deposed by the notorious Cromwellian military governor, Colonel Peter Stubbers.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobar Muire Holy well · Roisín Na Mainiach, Co. Galway
Mac Giollarnáth (1941, 36-7) gives the legend of the Virgin's appearance here in Famine times.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kilflynn Church Ancient church · Ballyconnell, Co. Kerry
St. Flann is said to have bestowed on the well the power to cure blindness.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Dirtane, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: It is still visited, especially on the 8th of September when there are public devotions.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Moling's Well Holy well · Brosna West, Co. Kerry
The water from the well is said to cure eye complaints.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbreeda Holy well · An Baile Riabhach, Co. Kerry
"Stations and rounds were performed at it formerly" - OSNB.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobereleesh Holy well · Knoppoge (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
Marked on the 1840-41 and 1914 OS maps as 'Tobereleesh' (Tobar Eilís - well of Eilís), this well is known locally as Knoppoge well, St Brigid's well and Tobar an Leighis (well of the healing).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Duagh (Clanmaurice By.), Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: The well is still visited, especially on the Saturday before May Day.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Cinn Aird Thiar (Tc Cinn Aird), Co. Kerry
Small objects are left as offerings; there usually are fresh flowers in small vases or jars.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobernasool Holy well · Glandahalin East, Co. Kerry
Rounds/Offerings: This well is still visited, especially on the Saturdays before May Day, Midsummer and Michaelmas.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Kenny's Well Holy well · Gortavalla East, Co. Limerick
Described by Ó Danachair (1955) as 'a clear spring well about three feet in diameter…the water cured many ailments.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady Well Holy well · Skagh, Co. Limerick
It is said to possess healing virtues.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Fantstown, Co. Limerick
A pattern was held on 15th August up to about 1820.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Ballylanders, Co. Limerick
A pattern is held on 15th August, the largest of its kind in the county, with parades, games and dances in addition to the devotions at the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Thomastown (Coshlea By.), Co. Limerick
Rags and small religious objects are left as offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Mary Magdalene's Well Holy well · Kilbane, Co. Limerick
Rounds still made, especially on the feast day (22nd July).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Our Lady's Well Holy well · Churchquarter, Co. Limerick
The water cured sore eyes and other ailments.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Derivla's Well Holy well · Castletown (Connello Upper By.), Co. Limerick
According to Ó Danachair (1955, 205) rounds still mad here in mid-1950s and 'a pattern and fair was held on 11th February until about 1870'; he also notes legends that 'Saint Gobnait lived here', and that 'a white stag is sometimes seen at the well'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Cartown, Co. Limerick
A great many rags still hang at the well; small religious objects are left as offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Ballinlough, Co. Limerick
Legend: St Brighid, refused a drink, struck the ground and the well sprang up'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Kildromin, Co. Limerick
Legend: St Brighid, refused a drink, struck the ground and the well sprang up'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Shangarry, Co. Limerick
According to Ó Danachair (1955, 212) rounds made on 1st February and 'a pattern was held formerly on this day … legend: Saint Brighid converted a pagan chieftan who lived in the fort, and caused a well to spring up for baptism.'
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbreedia Holy well · Tuogh (Owneybeg By.), Co. Limerick
The site is sheltered to N, E and S and has good views to W. Described by Ó Danachair (1955, 213) as 'a strong spring issuing from the rock…the water cures vomiting and sick stomach if taken fasting before daybreak'.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberbreedia Holy well · Ballintober, Co. Limerick
Widely known as the "Chincough Well" and said to cure whooping cough in children.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobermurry Holy well · Templeathea West, Co. Limerick
On latter sit numerous cups; rags are tied to surrounding trees.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady Well Holy well · Templetown, Co. Louth
Various references to traditions and legends are mentioned in the IFC Schools MSS (vol. 658-9), including one which noted that the waters rise on Lady's Day (IFC Schools MSS 659, 171-2) and another that the water can cure sore hands and eyes (IFC Schools MSS…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery Megalithic tomb · Corstown (Fore By.), Co. Meath
She is reputed to be buried on the S side of that hill.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Manchan's Church Ancient church · Lemanaghan, Co. Offaly
The Christian legend of Margaret’s martyrdom recalls how she battled the Devil in the form of a fire-breathing dragon who swallowed her whole while she was on her knees praying and making the sign of the Cross upon her breast.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Hill of Uisneach Ringfort · Kellybrook, Co. Westmeath
The interior slopes slightly from E to W. Macalister suggests that this may be the ecclesiastical site mentioned in the legends but the evidence does not support this’ (SMR File 23/04/1976).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Vauk's Well Holy well · St. Vogue'S, Co. Wexford
According to John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 the pattern was held on January 20 (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 297), which is the feast day of St. Féichín, one of the most mythologised of the Irish saints (Ó Riain 2011, 309-11) but the likely patron of the church…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact