Welcome to the stuff of nightmares.
Ireland is a land of myth and legend, of stories and tales passed from one generation to the next.
Here, we run down the ten most terrifying creatures from Irish folklore that have terrified Irish children for generations. Number five will give you the shivers.
10. Oilliphéist – he took on Saint Patrick himself
The Oilliphéist is a monstrous serpent or dragon-like monster said to dwell in Ireland’s lakes, rivers, and caves. Said to be enormous, it appears in many tales where heroes and saints battle an Oilliphéist to protect nearby communities.
In one story, an Oilliphéist cuts the course of the River Shannon when it hears that Saint Patrick has come to drive out it and its kind. Strong!
9. Merrow – don’t try to steal their magical cap
Living beneath the sea and wearing magical caps that allow them to travel between land and water, merrows are Ireland’s version of mermaids.
Female Merrows are portrayed as beautiful, but the males, are described as ugly and frightening creatures. However, you should be warned; anyone stealing a merrow’s magical cap will trap the merrow on land, leading to bad luck.
8. Fear Gorta – it’s advisable to be kind
The Fear Gorta appears as a starving, ragged man wandering lonely roads begging for food. Unlike many frightening spirits, he appeals to a person’s generosity rather than seeking revenge.
Those who offer food or kindness to the Fear Gorta receive unexpected good fortune. Those who ignore him, however, may suffer hardship themselves. Remember, it’s nice to be nice.
7. Far Darrig – what kind of sick joke is this?
Unlike the friendly fairies found in children’s stories, the Far Darrig, or Fear Dearg, delights in frightening humans. Dressed in red, Far Darrig enjoys playing tricks, creating terrifying illusions, and leading unsuspecting travellers into frightening situations.
One of his favourite pranks involves making people believe they’ve witnessed something horrific before suddenly revealing it was all an elaborate joke. Charming!
6. Each-Uisge – beware of the horse
The Each-Uisge resembles a beautiful horse standing at the edge of lakes or rivers, tempting travellers to climb onto its back. Once mounted, the victim becomes stuck fast as the creature gallops into deep water.
The Each-Uisge then drags them below the surface, drowning and devouring their victims. Try to resist going to speak to that nice-looking horse by the river next time.
5. Sluagh – best sleep with the windows closed
The Sluagh are the restless souls of the wicked who have been denied peace after death. They travel together in ghostly flocks across the evening sky, searching for vulnerable souls to steal.
In parts of Ireland, people traditionally close west-facing windows at night in fear of the Sluagh bringing misfortune and sometimes death to those they encounter. Maybe best to just close the windows to be sure.
4. Abhartach – the living dead
Long before Dracula appeared in novels, Irish folklore told of Abhartach, a cruel chieftain who refused to stay dead. Buried several times, he repeatedly rose from his grave demanding blood from the living.
Legend says he could only be stopped by burying him upside down beneath a heavy stone and surrounding the grave with thorn bushes. He is considered one of Europe’s earliest vampire legends.
3. Púca – be warned, it can be anything and everything
The Púca is a mysterious shape-shifting spirit. Apparently, it can appear as a horse, goat, dog, hare, or even a handsome stranger!
Depending on its mood, it may help travellers, or it may lead them astray. Farmers once left part of their harvest for the Púca to try and avoid bad luck. With a creature as unpredictable and unidentifiable as the Púca, you’re going to have to keep your wits about you.
2. Dullahan – pray he doesn’t say your name
The Dullahan is Ireland’s very own headless horseman. Riding on a black horse through the night, he carries his own grinning head beneath one arm while wielding a whip made from a human spine. Legend says that if he stops riding and calls a person’s name, they die instantly. Chilling!
1. Banshee – Ireland’s most famous harbinger of death
The Banshee is perhaps Ireland’s most famous supernatural creature. Feared throughout Irish folklore, her chilling cry warns that someone in a family is about to die. Often described as a pale woman with long flowing hair and dressed in white, she serves as a haunting messenger of fate,
With such a rich heritage of myth and legend (read our A – Z Guide on Irish Mythologcial Creatures), there is no shortage of tales of mystery and terror that have delighted and terrified Irish children for generations.
