Irish tales of a giant, fox lady and werewolf

Ireland is rich in folklore, and filled with stories of the paranormal. It's got much more unexplained reports that are mysterious than most countries and it's a very ancient land. There are myths and legends surrounding places that are still haunting and eerie. However, I'm just going to mention a few of these tales and weird events that happened in recent times in Ireland.

The Giant's Causeway is a place full of legends about a man named Finn McCool. He was a folk hero and would be responsible for the construction of the Giant's Causeway, using power, strength and magic. He loved to go hunting with his hounds. He also belonged to a military order of warriors, called The Fianna, who also went hunting during the season. They also went fishing, and certain potent wisdom was earned from eating a salmon that was caught in River Slate. Finn had an arch enemy, the giant Benandonner also called "The Red Man", who lived in Scotland. So the Giants' Causeway was built to reach Scotland as a bridge. While this story is much longer and epic, I want to point out that something, and it was a massive door in the Giant's Causeway was caught on camera, which some believe is the secret dwelling of a giant that some claimed to have witnessed. Some believe it's a hoax. Watch and see, then make your own judgement. Video of the door at Giant's Causeway on Youtube.

And now for the next story. The fort of Cahervagliair or The Fort of the Sons of Laoighaire is a dreamlike place with surrealistic beauty and a ringfort. Located in Coppeen in County Cork, Ireland. The ringfort has an impressive stone entrance and remarkable features, estimated to have been built sometime in 1000 BCE. Some believe this is a significant place about a race of people called the Cineál Laoighaire and this means descendants of legendary kings of Munster in ancient times. Local stories in modern times are about this site, and a connection with a mysterious woman who was either red haired or a shapeshifting fox. It might've happened in the 19th century or early 20th century. Some have said she could've been a witch, a fairy or just a normal woman concerned about the place. She was looking out for the sacred ringfort and opposed to the workmen who were stealing from the ringfort. They told her that they were looking for materials to help build a school, which has now since become known as the "old school". No one knew who the woman was and they never saw her again. 

In 1132, a priest in Ireland was travelling alone, journeying from Ulster and headed for Meath. He came to the woods and night fell, so he made himself a small fire to camp there. A wolf emerged from the trees and the priest was startled, mostly because the wolf was talking in human language. The wolf was invited to sit near the fire. The priest was weary and probably delirious, as he listened to the wolf speaking. Wolf explained that he was really a man suffering a curse. Every seven years he and his human wife would both transform into wolves. The priest listened and felt sorry for the wolf. Wolf told him that his wife had become sick and needed help. The priest was not sure at first but he agreed to help the wolf. By morning, the priest visited the wolf's den, found the frail she-wolf and gave her viaticuum. The grateful wolves thanked the priest and told him which road to use. The priest went on his way safely. Irish werewolves are friendly.      

Now for more on Irish legends of werewolves, visit We Are Star Stuff blog page on "Faoladh: Werewolves of Ireland"  HERE. 

She Wolf Night