Every three years, the High King of Tara had to throw a feast for all the people of Ireland, lasting seven days and seven nights. One High King, Diarmait son of Cerball, was finding it hard to cover the expense of this feast, and he looked out at the great plain of Tara, with seven… [Read More]
The Gobán Saor
The Gobán Saor was the greatest craftsman and builder who ever lived in Ireland. He built mighty castles for all the lords, and for each of Ireland’s five kings. Though he was most famous for his skill as a builder, he could fashion a spear-shaft in the time it would take you to count to… [Read More]
The Voyage of Bran
Long ago in Ireland, there was a High King named Bran. He was not much interested in being High King, and one day, during a feast, Bran slipped away to get some peace and quiet. As he was walking, all alone, he began to hear this beautiful music. It was haunting and like nothing he… [Read More]
Labhraidh Loingseach
There was once a High King in Ireland called Laoghaire Lorc. He had a brother named Cobhthach, who was the King of Leinster. Now, although he was a king in his own right, Cobhthach became intensely jealous of Laoghaire. Everything Laoghaire did, he saw as a sleight against him, and every victory of Laoghaire‘s felt… [Read More]
Diarmuid and Gráinne
Long ago in Ireland, in the time of the Fianna, one of the greatest and most famous warriors under Finn mac Cumhaill’s leadership was named Diarmuid O’Duibhne. Diarmuid was the son of a man named Donn, and he was raised with his half-brother, the son of a man named Roc. One day, the son of… [Read More]
The Birth and Boyhood of Finn Mac Cumhall
In Ireland long ago there was a powerful fighting force called the Fianna. This was a group of young men, who lived off the land, hunting and tracking in the summer months, and feasting and merry-making throughout the winter. They had all given up their family ties and their places in society to live this… [Read More]
Oisín in Tír na nÓg
There was nothing the great Finn Mac Cumhaill liked more than a feast with a story and song, except for a hunt with his hounds and his men. He was out one day hunting, enjoying the freedom of running through the land, with his hounds Bran and Sceolan by his side, and the rest of… [Read More]
The Son of Cuchulainn
When Cuchulainn was training with Scathach, he had a love affair with a warrior woman called Aoife. And as he was leaving, she told him she was with child, and that it was going to be a boy. Cuchulainn told her to name him Connla, and give him a red-gold ring he took from his… [Read More]
The Sickbed of Cuchulainn
(or The Only Jealousy of Emer) One year, at Samhain, the people of Ulster gathered in Emain Macha. All the warriors of the Red Branch were there, with their wives and families. It was the tradition in Ulster to gather together and have each person tell stories of their bravery, and because Samhain was the… [Read More]
The Death of Cuchulainn
During his time as Ulster’s champion, Cuchulainn was challenged by many men over the years, and over the years, he killed all who challenged him. One of the men he struck down was called Calatan, and he was a great sorcerer. He left behind a pregnant wife, who gave birth to sextuplets: three girls and… [Read More]