Donegal Folk Tales

by Joe Brennan

Donegal has a rich heritage of myths and legends which is uniquely captured in this collection of traditional tales from the county.Discover the trails where Balor of the Evil Eye once roamed, the footprint left by St Colmcille when he leapt to avoid a demon and the places where ordinary people once encountered devils, ghosts, and fairies.In a vivid journey through Donegal’s varied landscape, from its spectacular rugged coast line to the majestic mountains of Errigal and Muckish, and on to the rich farmland of the east, local storyteller Joe Brennan takes the reader to places where legend and landscape are inseparably linked.

192 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2012

Reviews

[William Wehrmacher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got Donegal Folk Tales from my daughter for father's day. She is living and working in Ireland, so it gave me, presumably, some insight into Ireland's fabled history.

Some of the tales were very good, offered excellent warnings about how to live and survive. Others seemed to wander toward a 'lesson' and then jump without warning into something else.

I enjoyed the book primarily because it brings my daughter to mind when I see it on the shelf.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice collection of folk tales, but the story-telling itself often lacks emotion/word flow. Still glad I found it at the Wexford library. Made a note to visit some of the castles etc mentioned, of course!

[Yesim · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the tales, The Eagle's Nest, reminded me of a 1969 Turkish film—both feature an eagle thief that steals babies. I wonder if they were inspired by this Irish folktale or elsewhere.

My favorite tale was number 26, The Widow's Daughter! Anyone else?

[Vladimir · Rating 2 out of 5]

Paddy the Piper was a fun story, made me laugh. Unfortunately, most of the other ones lacked either plot or interesting characters, or both.