Irish Folklore

Saint Patrick, lake monsters and kinds of leprechauns.

Saint Patrick was said to have driven all the snakes out of Ireland, in the fifth century A.D. But there were no snakes in Ireland for the bishop to chase away, except for some sea serpent monsters in the waters of the British Isle.

       The Patron Saint did banish the mother of demons, called Coal, or Caoranach. It was a Ollipheist, a giant snake like creature. There are lake and river monsters of Ireland. St. Patrick sent the serpent into the Lake Lough Derg. And the Lakes of Killarney also have a lake monster named Muckie, in the Emerald Isle. It is much like the Loch Ness Monster of Scotland.

       There is also the Devil Whale, from Irish lore. It was a giant white sea mammal that could swallow whole ships, similar to the story of Moby Dick.

       

Clurichaun, was like a leprechaun. It was a spectral entity that haunted bars and pubs, drinking booze and raising mischief.

(Ghosts frequented watering holes, where incarnated occupants drank alcohol).

And the Far Darrig, wore red coats and hats. Also known as Red Man and fear dearg, they were tricksters, similar to a fairy. They would leave changelings, which were replacements for human babies with some supernormal little being.

            

       Werewolves of Ossory; were worriers of Ireland in medieval times. They were Similar to berserkers in Norse lore. The men adorned wolf skins and went on raids, they called wolfing. The Ossory Kingom had a werewolf tribe. The father of the beasts was Laignech Faelad. They were shaped like wolves, as they went out and killed animals. The Norse also had many legends of werewolves that came partially from the Irish stories.

       Four leaf clovers, are considered to be good luck, by the Celts. Superstition is a form of the paranormal. Clovers with an extra leaf were said to be collected by sorceresses at night during the full moon. And whispering in a girls ear by fairies, proclaimed them to bring good fortune to persons who were to find a four leaf clover.

 

       Ireland is rich with legends past down through the generations, of monsters, specters and small creatures of the supernatural.

 

Author's Note

There is more information about leprechauns, in my other article;
“Beasties and Ghoulies”.
I also wrote about banshees in; “Supernatural Stories,”
under my other account; (Novram), on this web site.
And additional writing on lake monsters can be found on;
paranologist.blogspot.com/lakemonsters.

Reviews

[DustinA7L]

Fascinating! I never thought about it but it makes sense that there wouldn't be any snakes in Ireland because it's an island. I also never knew they had stories of werewolves in Ireland; it's interesting how so many countries/continents have folklore and legends about werewolves. There must be something to that!

[emmajoygreen]

This part of the world is full of myths and beliefs that will neither die nor fail tellers of past away from the fireplace. Many thanks, your information is fascinating, intrigueing. Will come visit for more in spite of a few books on the shelves, eg Treasury of Folklore, Chainey & Winsham.

[Clif]

Thank you for your comment! Sounds like your shelves have a good book on Folklore. Stories from past generations of different peoples are often associated with the paranormal.

[emmajoygreen]

Minds, memories and their owners have travelled and shared for centuries both to share, discuss or depart from!

[Arundass TP]

I am learning more and more from your writing s. Thanks.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“The Patron Saint did banish the mother of demons, called Coal, or Caoranach. It was a Ollipheist, a giant snake like creature. There are lake and river monsters of Ireland. St. Patrick sent the serpent into the Lake Lough Derg. And the Lakes of Killarney also have a lake monster named Muckie”
Always such fascinating and informative content Clif. And this one is so timely. History, cultures, beliefs and origins- you are amazing. Happy St. Paddy’s Day to you!
We are holding our own here, thank you so much for caring.

[Clif]

Thank you so much Annette. You always write the nicest comments. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too.