6 fantastic books inspired by Irish myths
Author Christopher Galvin shares his favourite books that feature Irish myths.
Christopher Galvin
Ireland has a rich tradition of myths and legends.
As children, we were enchanted by stories about heroes like Cúchulainn, and captivated by magical tales like ‘The Salmon of Knowledge’ and ‘The Children of Lir’. Although our ways of storytelling have evolved over the centuries, this tradition has had a big influence on our imaginations.
My grandmother, a religious and practical woman, firmly believed that she once saw a leprechaun running through a neighbouring hedge. My own home parish has a local myth around St. Patrick urging a horse to leap halfway up Croghan Hill. It is said that where the horse’s hooves struck, a holy well was formed.
A motorway in County Clare had to be built around a fairy tree, as people believed it would be bad luck to cut it down. And in Northern Ireland, people come from all over the world to marvel at the incredible Giant’s Causeway, which legend tells us was created by two warring giants.
While most grown-ups would claim not to believe in such things anymore, there’s no denying the influence that Ireland’s myths and legends have had on its writers and storytellers.
Here are some great books inspired by Irish myths.
1. Tale of Darkisle series by Dave Rudden
Featuring necromancers and were-otters, and told with equal parts humour and scares, this series offers a perfect introduction to the world of Irish myths.
2. Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore by Sine Quinn (author) and Dermot Flynn (illustrator)
If you’re looking for a wonderful overview of Irish myths and legends, this gorgeously illustrated book highlights the magical creatures and gods that the people of Ireland believed in.
3. The Book of Secrets and The Harp of Power by Alex Dunne
A duology that shows a different side to the world of the Fae (these fairies are mischievous and cruel) and visits worlds where mythical creatures are not to be trifled with.
4. Girls Who Slay Monsters by Ellen Ryan
Not all Irish myths are about leprechauns and fairies. Ellen Ryan weaves tales about the forgotten goddesses of ancient Ireland, filled with evil kings, wicked monsters, and those who stood against them.
5. Secret of the Selkies by Laura Keohane
An endearing story set in the modern day that explores the mythological story of the selkies: seals who can shapeshift into humans.
6. The Thing About Giants by Christopher Galvin (me!)
In a world where humans hunt giants for their bones, a young girl and a young giant discover they have more in common than they realise. An adventure story influenced by the giant myths of Ireland.
The Thing About Giants by Christopher Galvin is out now.
