Introduction Irish mythology played a significant role in Ireland many years ago. Before the introduction of technology, storytelling played a large part in Irish culture and society. Many stories feature fairies and other supernatural beings such as leprechauns and banshees.

Stories of warriors with all the knowledge of the world, fairies playing pranks on farmers and leprechauns hiding their gold at the end of a rainbow add to the mysterious appeal of Ireland.

Ireland’s long history is riddled with ancient mythology and folklore. The Irish believed in the power of magic and many of these beliefs spread to modern day legends told again and again across the country.

Saint Patrick Saint Patrick is the Patron Saint of Ireland. We celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day on the 17 th March.

Wearing the shamrock, green clothes, eating green food and even drinking green beer is said to commemorate St. Patrick’s use of the shamrock.

As a boy of 14 years old he was captured and taken to Ireland where he spent 6 years in slavery herding sheep. After being freed he returned to Ireland in his 30’s as a missionary among the Celtic pagans.

Legend has it that he used the native Shamrock as a symbol of the holy trinity when preaching. St Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland.

It’s believed that he chased all the snakes out of Ireland.

Banshee / Bean Sí (the fairy woman) Screaming in as one of our most popular myths is the original siren of death, if you heard this lady’s wail you knew that someone in your family had died or were about to die. She is sometimes seen as an ugly old woman wearing rags or a beautiful young girl but there is never any question about her powerful and dreaded wail.

Bean Sí

Leprechauns Perhaps the most famous of all Irish mythological beings. Said to be a type of fairy, the Leprechaun is sometimes depicted as a cobbler, making the shoes for all other fairy folk. Usually depicted as an old and bearded man, Leprechauns are never female. Leprechauns were given the task of protecting the treasure... which was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Unfortunately for the Leprechauns, the rainbow always points to the location of the Leprechaun’s treasure.

With the climate in Ireland and plenty of rain, the rainbows are plentiful! It is said that if you catch a Leprechaun, he must either give you his treasure or grant you three wishes. Unfortunately no one in our school has ever seen or caught a Leprechaun!

There are so many mythological stories related to Ireland. We have selected 3 of the most famous stories to share with you.  Clann Lir  Finn Mac Cumhail  Cú Chulainn

Clann Lir

Cú Chulainn

Finn Mac Cumhail

Thank you for listening to our presentation. I hope you all enjoyed it and that one day you will find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!! Happy Saint Patricks Day to you all Beannachtaí na Féile oraibh