BOOK
Fairy Tales of Ireland by William Butler Yeats.
A fantastic collection of twenty Irish folk tales. I particularly love that there are notes on the origins of each story. It’s a lovely introduction into Irish folklore and mythology.
BOOK
I recommend this for both adults and children.
A brilliant introduction to Fairy Lore, Bob Curran gives the reader delightful insights into the Irish Fairies, their temperaments and characteristics.
BOOK
Another great book from Bob Curran that I recommend for all ages.
The Truth About Leprechauns by Bob Curran will give you a deeper understanding of Ireland’s most famous Fairy.
BOOK
A brilliant gift to give little ones before their first trip to Ireland, or any child who simply wants to learn about Ireland in a fun, and interactive way. I particularly love the beautiful fold out map included in the book.
BOOK
The O’Brien Book of Irish fairy Tales and Legends.
Una Leavy gives beautiful retellings of ten classic Irish fairy tales, including stories of the Leprechaun, Oisin in Tìr na n-Óg and the Children of Lir.
BOOK
A very cute and charming reimagining of Irish folklore characters. Meet Liam the Leprechaun, Betty the Banshee and Pádraig the Púca; Willow the Wisp, Fiadh the Fairy and Seán the Selkie.
BOOK
One of my favourite books to read to my daughter. The Pooka in this story is far removed from the malevolent creature we read about in Irish folklore. Instead, this is a charming story about friendship and the need for companionship no matter who you are. The illustrations are also fabulous!
BOOK
A lovely book from Dublin author Gerry Daly, celebrating the magic of Irish sea wildlife and also offering a beautiful message about finding your strengths and talents. I particularly love the illustrations of Skellig Michael and the Cliffs of Moher.
BOOK
A lovely collection of stories offering everything you could want from an encounter with the Leprechaun, from pots of gold to cobblers.
BOOK
In ‘The Adventures of Shamrock Sean’ we meet Sean the loveable leprechaun. While he loves to be helpful, he always seems to get himself into a muddle. A very sweet little book.
BOOK
From Belfast author Sarah Gordon, this is such a sweet story of self-confidence, friendship and understanding that what makes you unique is what makes you special.
BOOK
We’re all familiar with the ‘Mr. Men and Little Miss’ character books, but do you know what happens when Mr. Mischief joins forces with a Leprechaun?
A very sweet little book and a perfect introduction to Leprechauns.
BOOK
There is so much folklore influence in this beautiful book by Marita Conlon-McKenna.
Strange things are happening in Fairy Hill. Thirteen-year-old Anna is upset when she is sent to stay with her dad and his new family at Fairy Hill in the west of Ireland. Hearing whispers in the wind, Anna senses she is being watched, but nobody believes her except the mysterious boy down by the lake. When her little half-brother, Jack, nearly gets lost, Anna suspects that someone is trying to steal him away. She wonders if the stories about the old house and the fairies are true. And if they are, could Jack be in real danger?
TV SERIES
I’m not sure who the bigger fan is of ‘Puffin Rock’; my daughter or myself. Made by Kilkenny based animation studio ‘Cartoon Saloon’, each episode offers eye-catching imagery and fabulous storytelling. The series is a beautiful celebration of Irish wildlife. If you are not familiar with the puffin nature reserves of Ireland, be sure to do a quick internet search and you’ll have an even greater appreciation for this tv show.
Available on Netflix.
TV SERIES
‘Tír na nÓg’ (meaning ‘The Land of Youth’) is a very sweet TV series made by production company Macalla Teoranta. Oisín is a four year old boy (puppet) who with the help of his friends, Bó the young calf, Niamh, the magical fairy as well as Fionn the musical minstrel, and a host of magical animals explore the wonderful magical world of Tír na nÓg. As Gaeilge/In Irish with English subtitles available.
Available on RTÉ.
TV SERIES
This show has most definitely passed the test and kept my daughter engrossed!
Every day, Fia and her best friend Ameer take a journey to Fairy Island where they learn the enchanting Irish language through exciting adventures with a pair of fairies, Bláithín and Cuán, and all their magical friends.
Episodes available on RTÉ, several clips available on YouTube.
BOOK
‘Favourite Irish Legends for Children’ is a great introduction to Irish legends for children. It features stories that many Irish people grew up hearing, including The Children of Lir, The Brown Bull of Cooley, Deirdre of the Sorrows, The Salmon of Knowledge and a host of other legends of Oisin, Setanta, Fionn and the heroes of Irish mythology.
BOOK
This book by Belfast author and storyteller Doreen McBride offers a fantastic collection of animal folk tales. My favourite from the collection is how the wren became the King of the Birds.
BOOK
Storyteller Órla Mc Govern has done a fantastic job of reimagining these Dublin folk tales. It’s a great book for the 7 to 11 year age group.
BOOK
Frankly, I recommend anything that renowned Irish storyteller Eddie Lenihan touches, but this is one of my favourites. Fionn MacCumhaill is ofcourse one of the best known heroes of Irish mythology and Eddie has created a fabulous book here, with wonderful illustrations throughout.
MUSIC
Looking for Irish music for your little ones? The Speks have you covered! This is a fantastic Irish group who play nursery rhymes and kids’ songs set to Irish music. My daughter absolutely loves them and I can’t recommend them enough.
ARTICLE
A nice little article about all things Ireland. Suitable for older children, this could be a nice piece of research for children about to take their first trip to Ireland.
BOOK
Anyone with knowledge of Irish emigration will understand the importance of JFK to the Irish people and the Irish diaspora as a whole. We experience JFK’s historic visit to Ireland through the eyes of a young boy called Patrick. An endearing read.
BOOK
Wicklow author Peter Donnelly brings us on an exciting journey across Ireland as we search for the president’s cat. From a Kerry fisherman to a hairy biker and a group of singing hippies, prepare to meet an array of wonderful characters on a funny adventure through some of Ireland’s iconic landmarks.
ACTIVITY
If you’d like your little ones to pick up the ‘cúpla focail’ (a few words) in Irish, this is a lovely way to get them started. I have a set for my daughter that we always have on hand if we need to keep her entertained while we’re out and about.
ACTIVITY
What nicer way to teach your little ones to count than with an irish-themed counting book! One Stone Castle…. Two Irish Wolfhounds … Add some Hurleys, Thatched Cottages, Tin Whistles, Bodhráns, Connemara Ponies and more!
BOOK
It seems everything Kilkenny animation studio ‘Cartoon Saloon’ touch turns to gold. This is a brilliant history book for children, bringing you from the Ice Age to present day Ireland.
MOVIE
Another fabulous production from Kilkenny animation studio ‘Cartoon Saloon’ and featuring beautiful music from Irish group Kíla. Song of the Sea tells the story of Ben and his little sister Saoirse – the last Seal-child – who embark on a fantastic journey across a fading world of ancient legend and magic in an attempt to return to their home by the sea. The film takes inspiration from the mythological Selkies of Irish folklore, who live as seals in the sea but become humans on land.
ONLINE RESOURCE/WEBSITE
This is a great resource for children to learn about Irish history and geography. The content is filtered by class (junior infants aged 4 up to sixth class aged 12) and subject.
BOOK
This is a fabulous collection of stories from author Eithne Massey, centered around the magnificent Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
BOOK
This is a very sweet bedtime storybook for little ones. Featuring lots of famous Irish landmarks, such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Rock of Cashel and the River Liffey, it’s a beautiful journey across the Irish landscape.
BOOK
A sweet and simple rhyming book has bright and colourful illustrations. What’s more, it includes a page of stickers which was a big hit with my daughter.
BOOK
The wonderful historian Myles Dungan has compiled this lovely journey through Irish history. With eye catching illustrations by Alan Dunne, I highly recommend it!
BOOK
For something a little different, here is a beautiful collection of Irish poetry. Featuring an array of Irish writers including nobel prize winner Seamus Heaney, the book illustrates a diverse Irish society, tackles challenging topics but also offers a homely, warm feel.
BOOK/ACTIVITY
A history book with a twist. Conor McHale has created a selection of fabulous illustrations, bringing Ireland’s history to life. A great way to keep little ones busy while also learning about Irish history.
BOOK/ACTIVITY
This would make a great gift to a child before they go on vacation to Ireland. Bright and colourful with activities and puzzles themed around many of Dublin’s most famous attractions.
There are more in the series, with ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ and ‘Cliffs of Moher’ themed books available.
ONLINE RESOURCE/ACTIVITY
This is a lovely 30-page activity book designed by a school teacher at Mash.ie. Some really nice illustrations and puzzles.
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