The Cailleach Of Sligo

Stories and Myths from the North West of Ireland

Plot

'The Cailleach decided to build herself a new house'. 'I am Tuan, I am legend, I am memory turned to myth'. 'Niamh thoughtfully brushed her hair and gazed at the clouds from her window high up in her tower'. 'It was a day like no other'. 'Fionn spent his final days in the Shelly Place where he ended his life in Sligo bay'. These are the opening lines from a few of the stories in this remarkable collection of myths and tales from the north west of Ireland. These stories have been handed down from parent to child, from teacher to student for centuries, and help to explain life's eternal mysteries. In these pages, you will hear about Maebh and Fionn, Balor of the Evil Eye and the dreaded Fomorians, Diarmait and Grainne, Fraoch and the Great Worm, Niamh of the Golden Locks, Tuan the storyteller, warriors and druids, banshees and much more. The stories are generally of the northwest of Ireland, or a local version of well known Irish tales, but they reflect myths and legends that can be found around the globe. All have an Irish content but a universal theme. Although the stories are very old, they are told here in a new voice that is certain to enthral and captivate readers of all ages.