exploring the legends and

mythology of the Irish landscape

Ireland is known for its landscape, from the nine glens of Antrim to the rugged red sandstone hills of Kerry. The island is also known for its myths and legends but what is not often realised is that Ireland is itself a fabulous mythological landscape. Irish mythology rarely takes place in an abstract, unknown location but is firmly rooted on hills, valleys, mountains, rivers and all sorts of notable parts of the Irish terrain.

Click  on any of the place names below to discover the legend connected.

Magh Tuireadh, the Plain of Towers in the area of the scenic village of Cong. The Tuatha De Danann came over the seas, “a thousand heroes covering the ocean” to do battle on this plain.

Baile’s Strand, near Dundalk where Cú Chulainn killed his only son.

The Cuailgne Peninsula witnessed the invasion of the  armies of Connacht seeking the brown bull of Cuailgne.

Ardee, the ford of Ferdia where the Ulaidh warrior, Cú Chulainn, slew his comrade and friend.

EXPLORING THE IRISH LEGENDS: KERRY

Lough Derg, or Lough Deirgderc, the Red Eye Lake where the poet and satirist Aithirne demanded a terrible price from a King of Connacht.

Lough Neagh, the home of Lí Ban the mermaid who swam in these waters.

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Ballaghisheen Pass on the west side of Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula comes from Ballagh Oisín. The great Fianna warrior, Oisín came this way on his reutrn from Tír na n’Óg in search of his fellow Fianna warriors.