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

by Síne Quinn, Dermot Flynn (Illustrator)

This entrancing collection of Irish fairy folk will enchant young lovers of the mystical, the magical, and the occult.

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Picture Books, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Childrens, Ireland, Folklore

80 pages, Hardcover

First published February 4, 2025

About the author

Síne Quinn is a writer and editor with an MPhil in Children’s Literature. She is a writing coordinator with the Bookmarks Programme at Trinity College and a campaign coordinator for College Awareness Week.

Reviews

[Villa Park Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ethereally illustrated book transports you straight into the mythical side of the island of Ireland. Descriptions of various fae and other creatures, are paired with stories based on the Irish National Folklore Collection. You will learn about the unique aspects of each creature and how to stay on their good side! A must read for fantasy and mythology lovers.

Check this book out at the Villa Park Public Library!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s start by saying, HOLY ARTWORK, BATMAN! Ethereal, weird, and gorgeous! Each entry is about a different character in Irish folklore: mermaids, leprechauns, faeries, changelings, and after the origin of these creatures are discussed, Quinn adds a story to illustrate how their presence has been passed down through the years. Highly recommended for purchase - this illustrated book of literal faerie tales will delight a number of age groups. These lush illustrations and spooky tales of ancient times will definitely feed the imagination of any child - I can see this book being a favorite to check out! It is extremely accessible and demands a quick, continuous read.

Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this ARC.

[:¨·.·¨: `·. izzy ★°*ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Character/creature profiles that each have a story to go along with them. Gorgeous artwork throughout.

[Erin Moehring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple introduction to Irish Folklore. Easy read/listen. I bet the illustrations make this even better. Author from another continent Bingo square.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really entertaining! Fascinating tales.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a book that will give you a small taste of Irish folklore, this might be a good pick. The book describes 16 different creatures from Irish folklore from mermaids and selkies, to leprechauns and sheeries. The book describes each creature and then features a short story on each one. The pictures included are helpful and beautiful, albeit a little creepy. This isn’t a fairy tale book— Irish folklore is a little scary, to be honest. The stories are tame and could be a lot scarier considering some of the eerie creatures they are describing.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would probably have given this book 3-stars, except I feel the illustrations are glorious and deserve a 5-star rating; so I am splitting the difference and giving the whole work 4 stars. I think if I had read this when younger, I'd probably have rated the written portions higher. The subject matter would really have appealed to me, and I think I would have liked the fact that there was some description and backstory given as an introduction to each tale. The author clearly did some good research: it's quite remarkable how much the non-fiction portions reflect another work by a well-renowned historian I am also reading, but in a simpler, more child-absorbable format. My hat goes off to Síne Quinn for that. Ultimately, I think I didn't enjoy it because while I understood why she chose to format this as a non-fiction descriptor followed by a brief example tale, I found the non-fiction parts a bit too dry and the tales not quite long enough to delve into the details that make old folk tales so much fun. So, I wonder if she'd focused on one over the other (instead of making both parts more or less equal in length) if it might have led to better pacing. It's an overall good introduction to Irish folklore, though, and I would definitely recommend it to any kid who is interested in mythology and might want some introduction into the slightly eerie stories that really run amok in true folklore collections. (Is it weird that I was disappointed by how many tales in this book were pleasant tales instead of some of the creepier ones taking prominence? Maybe I am just morbid. Ha ha.)

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by accounts archived in the Irish National Folklore Collection, Irish author Síne Quinn introduces young readers to 16 different creatures (some familiar, others a little less well known) from Ireland’s hidden Faerie world. Each creature merits a two-page informational spread, followed by the story of a human that encountered them. Historical information sprinkled throughout provides readers with a wider understanding of how these creatures fit into everyday life in Ireland. For example, did you know that a 2016 study showed that Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of real-life giants in the whole world due to a rare genetic condition passed down through eighteen families who share the same common ancestor? I didn’t until I read this book! Quinn even gives readers some tips and tricks on how to stay safe from an encounter with the Good Folk. Included at the end of the book is a brief glossary along with a list of sources.

Dermot Flynn's stunning artwork brings Quinn's writing to life. It’s hard to pick a favorite illustration because each one is so unique. Even the end papers are filled with drawings of the Good Folk along with the plants they may inhabit. This isn’t a book that every reader will pick up, but for those that are interested in folklore, they will enjoy it. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Sobbin’ Scenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It was such a pleasure to read this book, and I'm so fortunate to have gotten an ARC for it. Honestly, I would love to own a copy of this someday.

First and foremost, the illustrations by Dermot Flynn are amazing and really bring everything together. They fit the whimsy and slighty scary magic of Irish myths so well.

As a lover of celtic mythology, I loved the collection of creatures included. I'm more familiar with Scottish mythology, so some of these were new to me, and some stories differed—For example, kelpies in Irish myth tend to shapeshift into men, and lure them to their death moreso as horses.

Each myth had a biography with interesting digestible facts and its own 1-2 page short story. I also appreciated the inclusion of Irish Gaelic throughout, and some explanations of certain etymologies. Language is culture after all, and intrinsically tied to our folklore!

Overall, I think this is a lovely read for all ages. I know I would have adored looking at the gorgeous drawings of faeries as a kid, and as an adult I appreciate the research bringing together this informative collection.

Thank you once again to Candlewick Press and Edelweiss for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Pat-z · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is entirely up to you, but I would read this book in daylight, surrounded by your own kind. An iron nail secreted in your pocket would be a good investment. It may prevent you from being carried away by the 'good people'. If you should end up in the faerie world, however, don't eat anything, don't drink anything, and take nothing with you when you leave. Read the book, oh brave and fearless reader! (You are brave, aren't you?)"

- Patricia Forde (Foreword)

Right off the bat, this juvenile nonfiction book was entertaining. I am in an adventurous and learning mood at the moment. My fixation? Faeries and folklore. Sorry, I mean the good people!

Beautiful illustrations and I really enjoyed the format of a short couple pages of a magical being followed by a legendary tale for the being. I love, love, love the leprechaun and the charmer stories!

[Dan Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn's and Flynn's work is a marvel of storytelling and art woven into a seamless captivating whole. This book is a must for any collection of children's books irrespective of nationality or cultural background. I bought two copies -- one for myself, and one for my niece. This book is a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Ireland and an education in Irish folklore that manages to entertain at the same time it educates the reader. Echoes of cinema like "The Secret of Roan Inis" and even "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" are found here, but they seem authentic, with no sappy Hollywood endings to be found. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. I like looking at it at bedtime -- reading it then is like escaping into a surrealistic and fantastic dream.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obtained a copy from the Irish national gallery gift shop, the faerie isle is a quaint collections of tales on Irish folklore most of which are as the title suggests faerie related. Each being or entity gets a descriptive on what the tale entails, where one would encounter them, how to be nice to them. A lot of the entities aren't presented as evil but rather amoral with whom we can interact at their own peril. Following each descriptive is a short story to showcase the lessons learned, don't be rude to the leprechaun! or don't try to tame a wild water horse! But by far the biggest seller is the artwork, soothing and pleasant to look at. A nice book for anyone who is charmed by folklore.

[jae _28 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great palette cleanser for anyone (but especially fairy tale lovers) if you need a break but don’t want to stop reading entirely. A little more than an hour long, but insightful and engaging. I started it and knew I’d want more. Do I plan on buying a copy? Yes. Yes, I do. I’ve been meaning to tap into more children’s books anyway, cause I can. And I’m sure I missed out on some good art! I got the audio from Libro, so I didn’t even pay attention enough to realize this was a picture book.

[Tyffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It has beautiful illustrations! <3 each page is incredibly detailed and carefully colored to reflect the stories energy. It was a lot of fun learning about the different Faeries. Some of the beings in the book I had heard of, but I had no idea they were a member of the Good People. I loved the book setup. It is 2 pages opened together that explain what the being is, then the next 2 pages open together tell a tale that involved that being. It was a great setup and tied well to the illustrations. I think it's a great read for kids!

[Ellie Schaben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Libro FM, Sine Quinn, Dreamscape Media, and Penguin Random House for the ALC of this book!

I’ve been to Ireland 3 times, and each time I fall more in love with the country, its culture, its people, its language. This book of folklore is the perfect mix of stories for adults and children alike. I loved getting a taste of the traditional tales while not going too in depth. A little taste of Ireland!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, haunting, and a great storybook!

Get to know more of Ireland's folklore through these tales. With a varying selection, each story brings another character or myth to life. These legends deserve to be remembered, and told again and again.

The illustrations were top-notch, painting an ethereal view.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dermot Flynn's stunning artwork brings Quinn's writing to life. I loved how each topic was paired with a brief story of a human encountering one of the Good Folk.

Two things though... I wish pronunciation of the Gaelic was included, and on some pages the font color does not have enough contrast against the illustrations so it can be hard to read.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore is a fun children's book.

This book was such a fun read of mystical creatures and Ireland Folklore. I loved the broad introduction of these tales and where they were originated and other parts of the world in which they exist.

There is a variety of creatures.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. Well-written, interesting, and with astonishing, striking illustrations that beg to be pored over.

My only complaint is that the text in multiple areas lacked sufficient contrast with its background and was difficult to read. This would pose a significant issue for folks with visual impairments.

[Lisa Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty cool! Also a smidge spooky at times but I was able to share with my kids and they liked it too! If you have read “newt scamanders care of magical creatures” and liked it you will also enjoy this one! Both should be read via audiobook (in my opinion)

[Melodie Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content Guide:
🤬 No foul language.
🌶️ No sexual content.
🗡️ Mild violence.
🍺 References to alcohol.

An interesting, quick listen with my kid. The narrator has an enchanting Irish accent that really added to the vibe. I still want the hard copy so I can see the illustrations.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. Narrator was pleasant to listen to. 3 stars for only mentioning "the tales passed on by word by family," mentioned in several places. What were those tales? Maybe the non audiobook version has footnotes or a list at the end.

[Daniel · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. The art is fun, but not brilliant. I enjoyed the description of Irish folklore, but while the decision to pair each entry with a two page story seems like a good idea, the stories are just too short to have any real power and feel too simplistic (or even moralistic) as a result.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! I loved learning the history of some of the most popular faeries… mermaids, Water Horses, and so much more! A bit dark at times, so a book for upper elementary & MS.

[Corrin V · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Good for grades 4+

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it. I found the tales really interesting, and now I want to visit Ireland more than ever!

[Reagan Crook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun little read! It was a great overview and intro Irish folklore! I’m going to Ireland in May and want to learn more about the folklore before! 🍀

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of magical, but didn't quite hold my interest. I don't think it was the best audiobook, but for readers interested in the subject matter I think this would be a slam dunk.

[Nicole Aka Grave doll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed after my last read it clean the negative vibes away😁

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun lil read of the day! 🥰