This time of year sees the best ghost stories told perhaps some of the most terrifying Irish legends may inspire you to sleep with the light on.
If you want to sleep with the light on then continue reading. As autumnal season is now upon us, the colours of the trees change.
The atmosphere becomes a chillier vibe outside and our senses become slightly more heightened as the nights draw in. Curling up together on our sofas with a warm cup of tea, it is only natural that one might start to speculate about the ghostly season that is just around the corner.
There is no doubt that some of Ireland’s beautiful allure lies within its rugged landscape and its homely traditions which continually attract a considerable amount of footfall all year round from travellers.
Additionally, when considering the land of mystical tales, most people might think of pixies and leprechauns.
However, some parts of Irish folklore are darker and more disturbing; the curiosity is simply too tempting to look away. Below are the top seven most terrifying Irish legends of all time.
7. The Púca — the shape-shifting trickster
A supernatural shapeshifting creature, often appearing as an animal or mysterious human-like figure. This one is low on the list; however, its anonymity makes it something to be cautious around.
The Púca is usually portrayed as mischievous rather than purely evil. It might play tricks on people, particularly travellers who are out at night.
6. The Children of Lir — a curse worse than death
This one is less traditionally “horror” and more deeply disturbing. The story of The Children of Lir definitely could make for a good ghost story, as this haunting tale tells us about four children condemned to lives as swans by their jealous stepmother for 900 years.
They return as extremely old people and immediately die. This beautiful sculpture can be found in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.
5. The Sluagh — the host of the dead
The Sluagh are described in Irish folklore as supernatural beings who are believed to fly through the night and carry away the souls of the living. This certainly makes one think twice about leaving a window open at night.
4. The Dearg Due — Ireland’s blood-drinking vampire
The Dearg Due is beautiful, seductive and deadly. In modern versions describes a beautiful woman who rises from the grave and lures men before feeding on their blood.
Generally speaking, hanging around graveyards isn’t perhaps the best way to spend an evening, whether you buy into this legend or not.
3. The Banshee — the woman who wails for the dead
The scream or wail of the banshee, or bean sí is known to be bone-chillingly terrifying in Irish folklore. Her wails of sadness and pain lead to the foreshadowing of a family member’s death. Either way, hearing one is never a good thing.
2. The Abhartach — the irish vampire
The Abhartach is Irish folklore meets vampire horror, a terrifying revenant from Irish legend who drinks the blood of the living. The tale has also been linked by some writers to the inspiration for Dracula, although that connection is debated.
1.The Dullahan — Ireland’s headless horseman
The stories of a headless horse rider collecting heads has been made popular by Hollywood infiltration with Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci starring in the the fantasy/horror movie from 1999 Sleepy Hollow.
A headless rider on a black horse, the Dullahan is also one of Ireland’s most frightening supernatural figures. A headless horseman who literally comes looking for you is hard to beat.
These stories have always lured curious tourists and locals on waterfall walks and forest hikes, just for the chance to possibly experience some truth buried within the secrets of the myths.
My advice is be careful with curiosity and mythical connections. There are plenty of local places in Ireland that have terrifying and ghostly connections – if you go looking you may not like what you find or equally you may literally be biting off more than you can chew!
Irelands secrets and mystical traits are alluring but they are secrets for a reason. If you are ever curious and decide to go investigating, tread carefully and always mind your head when you are out at night – you never know when the headless horseman might strike again.
