The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore

Watch for seal-skinned selkies coming to shore every ninth day to dance-but keep a safe distance, lest you become mesmerized. If you spy a fair mermaid combing her hair whilst sitting upon a rock, look away, as that could be bad luck indeed. And legend has it that just one encounter with the silver-tongued fairy known as the Charmer may leave a person lovesick and heartbroken. This gorgeous book offers illuminating introductions to fifteen remarkable fairies, the lesser-known heroes and villains of Irish folklore, from tiny leprechauns to enormous giants, trickster spirits to slippery shape-shifters. Dramatically lit illustrations, stories inspired by tales from the Irish National Folklore Collection, and a look at each fae’s traits and origins make this a keepsake collection and a gift to be treasured.

Síne Quinn is a writer and editor with an MPhil in children’s literature. She is a creative writing facilitator with the Bookmarks program at Trinity College Dublin, a writing program for elementary students, as well as a book doctor for Children’s Books Ireland. Síne Quinn lives in Ireland.

Dermot Flynn is an artist, illustrator, and designer based between Dublin and London. He has worked with clients such as Paramount, Apple, Disney, and Adidas and with publications such as the New Yorker, Vogue, and the Guardian.