The Fairy Lore of Ireland is drawn from a chapter of the “Traces of the Elder Faiths of Ireland: A Folklore Sketch; a Handbook of Irish Pre-Christian Traditions”, published in 1901 by W.G. Wood-Martin.
It covers the primitive origins of beliefs in the supernatural and Otherworld. Various theories for the origin of the fairies along with a discussion of their appearance and behaviour.
The account is illustrated with several stories presented as true accounts, though clearly not believed by the author.
Wood-Martin takes some time to explain the superstitious beliefs and practices of the “peasantry” of old Ireland. Some of the language used in the book is reflective of the times it was written.
Fairies, Tuatha De Danann, Grogach, Gruagach, Leprechaun, Dullahan
