Walking in Belturbet By Erne’s Side
From the well the calf it leaped As unwisely the widow chose For ease her load not too long to carry In …
When The Devil Was Beat by Duffy
A common folk story in Europe, in North Longford it was attributed to a local blacksmith as the hero of the tale, …
Old Crone of Cairn Hill
Old Crone of Beara is said to have dropped stones that make up cairns on Cairn Hill in Longford. As with many legends, the stories vary, with some saying she was another personification of the Goddess Bridget… #Irishlegend #folklore
What Loss to Gain a King!
The foundation story of the Clan Eoghanachta, with the tragic death of Eoghan, and the craftiness of Díl the Druid…
Give Stonehenge Back to the Irish!
One legend states the stones of Stonehenge came from Killare in Westmeath, the Hill of Uisneach. When Merlins army failed to take them by force, he took them by majic, wanting “The Giants Ring” to make a monument to an army of his that died in battle.
Another legend says a Westmeath woman sold them to the devil. Which is true? We explore in rhyme…
The Cock and the Crock of Gold
The legend of the Cock and the Crock of Gold in Kilcormac, in the times of the Wars of the Molloys… The …
A Holy Book Proves No Shield
The death of Mahon, the King, who set a little too much faith in the Bible for protection! An old verse of …
Flickering Candles Foretell Death
A tradition of foretelling a death from North Longford… From the Irish Folklore Commission In days gone by a tradition old Of …
Defense of a Church Mouse
Some sculptor scoundrel, storytellers and the sort Have slandered by folk, questioned our worth Made our reputation dirt, who in the church …
Don’t Seek Favours from the Good Folk
Some folk are brave and more are not To ask the good folk for what they seek Those spirit folk we called …
Salmon of Knowledge
Tobar Segais by hazel trees nine Shed each a nut to the waters still And a salmon hungry there was swimming And …
Listen Not to the Song of the Merrow
Men of Erin, and all men, who in Erin you may be Listen not to the Merrow song that sounds with such …
Lady of Lough Gowna
An eerie cry echos the evening air The mermaids plaintive song The saying among the folk that know Is there will be …
The Bright Star of Ireland – The Jealous Queen
From a folktale recorded by a Longford schoolboy who was told it by a Louthman who was travelling the area looking for …
Aughnacliffe Dolmen for the Lovers for One Night is Their Bed
A bed hard of stone neath the sky starry above Is good enough, soft enough, for a couple in love He who …
Restless Sídhe of Keeraun Hill
Keeraun Hill is a fairy fort, or ring fort, or Danish fort, call it what you will outside Banagher in County Offaly …
Saintjohnstown – So Beautiful A Name
My mother grew up outside the Longford village of Ballinalee. She always said she preferred the English name on it, St. Johnstown… …
Red Path of the Stag
Set free, running free, blood flowing, fleeing fast in fright Wild eyed, pursued, the stag takes to flight The tribesmen of the …
Flight of Mad Sweeney
He flies over where the Devil could not walk Singing his mournful song of despair The places he has been and all …
How the Clan Eoghanacht Got Their Name
From the sea they came open, not sneaking by stealth And they came for to parley, fosterage for wealth As silver was …