Uncanny Ireland: Otherworldly Tales of the Strange and Sublime

Gilded Nightmares – Timeless British Library Books

by Maria Giakaniki (Editor)

At moonrise I lit the fire and cried out the wild little invocation that Neoineen and I had made – gave way to all the crazy anguish within me – chanted it loud enough for the hills to hear.

Entwined in Ireland’s rich literary history is a vibrant vein of strange fiction, drawing upon a deep folkloric tradition in which unbound spirits, revenants from the grave and the aos sí fairy folk tread a path of disorder through the mortal world.

Delving into this haunting realm, Uncanny Ireland unearths twenty short tales from the past two centuries, ranging from accounts of weird folklore and rare reimagined myths to classic ghost stories and modern spectral chillers. Featuring weird tales from Sheridan Le Fanu, Elizabeth Bowen, W. B. Yeats, Dorothy Macardle and many more, this collection invites you on a sinister yet satisfying journey into the otherworldly unknown.

Genres: Horror, Folklore, Short Stories, Mythology, Ireland

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 27, 2024

Reviews

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: An interesting collection

The book is a collection of twenty short pieces (as you can see, I didn’t say stories as not all of them are fiction) written in the 19th and 20th centuries by famous authors. It contains tales based on Ireland’s rich folklore, modern stories with ancient and otherworldly elements, and tales of weird and macabre.

The collection is divided into the following categories:

• Folktales and Folk Beliefs (2 stories)
• Myths and Legends Reimagined (3 stories)
• Some Rural Ghosts and Uncanny Sounds (5 stories)
• Gothic Chills (3 stories)
• Strange and Dangerous Women (3 stories)
• Modern Horrors (4 stories)

The table of contents is followed by a detailed introduction that discusses the fascination with Irish mythology, how the culture (barely) survived through oral storytelling as paganism was wiped out, the Celtic Revival, the political turmoil that lasted for decades, and more. This sets the tone for the book and explains how the works have been broadly classified with a bit of overlapping (inevitable).

Then, we have a publisher’s note about the language, attitude, etc., in the pieces that may not align with modern sensibilities. I love that the publisher highlights how they cannot be separated from their history. They say that only minor edits have been made to make the anthology feel more consistent in terms of style and sense. I appreciate this as I don’t believe in the idea of removing ‘problematic phrases’ from older works.

Each story is preceded by a detailed author bio (one page long), where the last paragraph provides a short insight into the story.

I usually prefer story-wise reviews for anthologies, but I realized that style may not work well for this one. So, I’m mentioning the ones that impressed me in some way.

• The Unquiet Dead by Lady August Gregory
• The Monks of Saint Bride by Herminie Templeton Kavanagh
• The Strange Voice by Dora Sigerson Shorter
• The Last of Squire Ennismore by Charlotte Riddell
• The Watcher O’ the Dead by John Guinan
• The Sea’s Dead by Katherine Tynan
• Julia Cahill’s Curse by George Moore (easily the best, though it is not a horror/ paranormal story)
• The Return of Niav by Dorothy Macardle
• The Rising of Elvira Tremlett by William Trevor

The writing styles need some time to get used to. It has outdated phrases and words that mean something entirely different today. Some of it has a thick Irish slang, and I did my best to wing it. Still, I prefer that the stories be read the way they were written rather than be toned down and rewritten for modern readers. They have a rustic and otherworldly charm, which goes well with the book’s theme.

To summarize, Uncanny Ireland is a well-put-together collection of classic stories dealing with paranormal, supernatural, and uncanny in some form. The editor’s efforts are evident in how well the book is structured and presented. If you try this book, I recommend reading only one or two stories per day.

Thank you, NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing (British Library Publishing), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #UncannyIreland

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing | British Library Publishing for my arc in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

This was such a cool collection! I've always been interested in Irish folklore and legends, but my field of literature never really touched on it. Coming across this arc was such an informative opportunity. I learned about some authors that I would have never thought to be connected to Irish folklore and read some fascinating stories! While there were some stories that I felt were a bit more "academic" than whimsical, I still really found this collection interesting.

I think for the layman, some may find this more wordy than they might have anticipated, but for myself, it was worth the wordiness.

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and IPG for the advance copy! As always 100% of the thoughts below are my own.

I've always been curious about Irish folklore, but I am embarassed to confess that I don't think I've read any works by Irish authors. "Uncanny Ireland" by Maria Giakaniki is a perfect short story collection for anyone looking for poignant, uncanny tales by Irish authors from 1835 to 1990.

The book features twenty short stories by twenty different authors covering various themes, styles and subjects. What's impressive is, unlike most short story collections I've read, I liked every single included story. They were all beautifully lyrical and gothically dark. While I still enjoyed some more than other, either due to the writing style or the plot itself, all in all I found myself looking forward each night to read one of the stories and was never disappointed.

Since this is a short story collection, I will include brief notes for each of the stories and my rating for that individual story:

Evil Eye: 4
I would describe this more of an article that includes stories from various sources that describes the Evil Eye and its deadly force. It was overall very interesting, especially to someone with Egyptian roots, since I could see the similarities in our folktales and beliefs.

Unquiet Dead: 4
A tapestry of eerie oral tales and dialogue on the tongue of various people. All of them recount tales of those that linger after death. I really enjoyed the writing here despite all stories being around one paragraph or less short.

The Curse of the Fires and Shadows: 3.5
This story is set during the Irish Confederate Wars, which I only know very little about. An abbey set ablaze, brutal murders and a curse make for a grim supernatural story.

A Legend of Barlagh Cave: 3.5
This moody tale draws the readers into a tale of unrequited love and unintended consequences. A story of false hope and shattered dreams that is rich in symbolism and ambience. It continued to haunt me in the days after despite its short length.

The Monks of Saint Bride: 4.5
I was pleasantly surprised with some of the background humour in this one, but the tale itself is about a ruined monastery on All Souls’ Night and the lingering spirits of its long suffering monks. An important theme about redemption, moral reflection and humility.

The Drowned Fisherman: 4
Between the premonitions, the dialogue and the moody atmosphere, I found myself really enjoying this one despite how short it is and seeing how it would end. What starts with a gut feeling and dreams of future husbands takes a chilling turn when tragedy strikes.

A Scrap of Irish Folklore: 4
This was a short ghost story that primarily features Catholic spirituality and Irish superstition with a dose of maternal guilt. The haunting is sentimental and used as a warning against careless cursing. I enjoyed the writing especially and definitely would love to read more by Rose Mulholland.

The Strange Voice: 4
A chilling story about love beyond death and a descent to madness. This has strong gothic vibes. While maybe it doesn't offer much new when it comes to the haunting itself, it delivers it wonderfully and I genuinely enjoyed the lyrical prose and imagery.

The Wee Gray Woman: 4.5
There is something almost poetically beautiful about this tale being published posthumously. This is a tale about loss, loneliness and memory featuring a mysterious small, gray-cloaked visitor. The lyrical prose paints a quiet, almost colourless, atmosphere that potently delivers the sense of isolation. I really enjoyed this one.

Tale of the Piper: 3.5
An uncanny tale about, who else, a mysterious piper. I think it offered strong symbolism for the power of art and music. Ultimately, though, I felt it ended abruptly which, to be fair, I believe was the intention and it added to the strangeness.

The last of Squire Ennismore: 4
A very atmospheric ghost story about an aging squire who returned to his ancestral home with a mysterious past and hidden secrets before the arrival of mysterious foreign visitors haunt him and his estate. It is hard for me to quite pinpoint the themes, but I got a strong sense of perhaps guilt and payback for one's vice and greed. There is an undercurrent of imbalance or unjust power and wealth decaying with time.

The Fortunes of Sir Robert Ardagh: 4.5
A deliciously eerie gothic tale with strong themes of isolation and tormented souls. How far would one's ambition drive him? It offers accounts of a man that met his death under inexplicable circumstances. The ambiguity fuels the eeriness. I reread it twice because I enjoyed its delivery.

Watcher o' the Dead: 4.5
A haunting, melancholic story set in a remote cottage following a mask tasked with a ritual to watch over the dead through the night. With strong themes of accepting one's fate, keeping promises and facing mortality, this one hit deep for me.

The Sea's Dead: 4
After the death of her beloved husband, Moya Labella, an outcast young woman meets a mysterious fate. Her community believe they have learned her origins. It presents strong themes of nature's duality with a dose of grief and mourning.

Julia Cahill's Curse: 3.5
I am not sure if I can call this a supernatural story per se as it's more of symbolism for prejudices and loneliness. A tale told by a young priest who wishes to convince the priests of nearby parishes to assist him in establishing looms. Instead, he finds himself discovering more about the parish's scandals and a supposed curse.

The Return of Niav: 4.5
If you're familiar and interested with fae folkore, this is perfectly it. A single mother describes an encounter she and her daughter had with Niav, a changeling, that enchanted them both. The execution was wonderful sending a shiver down my spine. If you're looking for unsettling nature and a gothic cottagecore (is that a thing?), this would be perfect for it.

The Back Drawing-Room: 4.5
At an artistocratic party, the guests start to tell ghost stories. An unknown guest relates his own experience in the Irish countryside. I will say that the author mixes social commentary and some humour with the ghost story. The story itself is very short but ambient enough to deliver. The highlight for me was the characterization of the guests. Even though you know very little about them, they felt unique and lively. At least to me, they were memorable.

The Raising of Elvira Tremlett: 4.5
In this slowly unfolding unsettling modern story, a family's long-buried secrets are resurfaced. It's unclear if the haunting is by ghosts or shadows of the family's fears and dark memories. It explores how our imagnation and escapism can both protect and imprison us. I think a good description for this one is it's psychological gothic.

Encounter At Night: 4
A very short moody nighttime story that follows a chance meeting between the main character and a violent stranger. Despite, or perhaps because of, its short length, the story left me feeling uneasy after it was over. Strong themes of isolation and fear are potent in the quiet build up and continue to linger after the last paragraph.

A Ghost Story: 5
This was one of my favourite stories in the collection. Narrated by a newlywed man (a very questionable man, in my opinion) as he reflects on his first home with his wife. As the couple settles in the new home, uncanny events being to unfold. The social commentary intermixes with 'Haunted House' elements which ultimately meant a fun time for me. My only complaint was I wished it was longer.

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[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost stories – from Ireland. It does what it says on the tin.

We start with an essay containing several instances of the evil eye at work, from Oscar Wilde's mother. A similar piece comes from the noblewoman who helped found the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, as she gives us quotes from copious people about the ghosts they know people to have seen. We quickly break into the more fictional, however, with Nobel Laureate Yeats showing how Ireland might defend herself, and then a snappy tale has a woman making a mistake. Part two closes with the first piece that might be said to be a touch too long, regarding a ruin haunted by penitent monks, and why, although the colloquial narrator is a joy.

The voices in the next pieces are more brogue than just colloquial, with a well-trodden plot of a fisherman and his son, and a door that refuses to stay shut. A great store is had here by going after female-written stories, and the merits of that include these and the lovelorn lass that comes next, and the lovelorn man after her. That section is rounded out by an unwelcomely-talented piper.

The next section has a mansion haunted by the sounds of parties at night, which acts as snappy prelude to a J Sheridan le Fanu that to me was too long and ineffective. Better was a man taking on the job of the dead. A woman on Achill Island joins that number. "The evil spirit that sets men mad" is discussed in rural Ireland, whether she likes it or not. Another lass wastes away due to fae influence.

The final chunk starts with some major names – William Trevor with his "imaginary friend" character finding more favour with me than Elizabeth Bowen. They contrast with the lack of biography available regarding the penultimate author. And we close with 'A Ghost Story', which has to be said, after a book mostly successfully presenting ghost stories, is not the biggest surprise in the world.

This is one of those books that didn't fully do it for me, but I could see its appeal. It's important and decent and proper and right that such compilations exist, and I'd have been remiss if I hadn't picked this from the pile, but I did find the shocks too light on the ground and the quality control too uneven. Certainly it's a well-crafted volume, with just the right amount of background information, spoiler-free added bits, and the pick of clearly a well-read editor. So while I felt this a touch too much of an ordeal to get through happily, I give it four stars quite willingly, to alert the many that might feel differently. They should definitely keep this in their consideration.

[David Garrett jr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: Delving into this haunting realm, readers will unearth twenty short tales from the past two centuries. The stories range from accounts of weird folklore and rare reimagined myths to classic ghost stories and modern spectral chillers from Sheridan Le Fanu, Elizabeth Bowen, W. B. Yeats, Dorothy Macardle and more.

I thought that the recap from the press release would do well in setting the stage for this book. I got the chance to read this when Valerie from Independent Publishers Group reached out to see if I would be interested in reading for review. The other anthologies that she’s sent over in the past have led to intriguing readings. It has also helped me to expand into authors that I might not have read before. Reading ghost stories and other horror tales from other parts of the world that I might not have explored yet is another bonus.

Since there are so many stories, I’m not going to break down each one. This is put in different sections which include: Folktales and Folk Beliefs, Myths and Legends Reimagined, Some Rural Ghosts and Uncanny Sounds, Gothic Chills, Strange and Dangerous Women with the final being Modern Horrors.

Now stand out stories here would be ‘The Evil Eye’ by Lady Jane Wilde, ‘The Curse of the Fire and of the Shadows’ by William Butler Yeats, ‘The Drowned Fisherman’ by Anna Maria Hall, ‘The Fortune of Sir Robert Ardagh’ by Le Fanu, ‘The Sea’s Dead’ by Katherine Tynan and ‘Encounter by Night’ from Mary Frances McHugh. This gives a wide range of stories that truly showcases what Ireland offers which is impressive.

I do need to say that I struggled to connect with this one. The older tales are written in a way where my mind would wonder. That isn’t to say any were bad. That’s not the case. This is definitely an issue that I have when it comes to reading stories in older English. It doesn’t help that this features slang or a slight variation on that of Irish.

Even though this isn’t my favorite of the anthologies that I’ve read in the past, I still enjoyed this. I’ll credit here as well to Maria Giakaniki who compiled these stories. I can’t imagine how many she read through and the difficulty to decide which ones to include. Credit there once more. I would recommend it if you like Irish literature or are interested in reading ghost stories from this country that has such a rich history with superstitions.



My Rating: 6 out of 10



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[Joanne Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uncanny Ireland, edited by Maria Giakanki, is a chilling, atmospheric anthology that taps into the haunting folkloric roots of Irish storytelling while showcasing the literary richness and psychological depth of the country’s finest supernatural fiction. From shadowy glens to windswept ruins, this collection offers a journey into the eerie and the unexplained, guided by some of Ireland’s most gifted literary voices of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Giakanki curates with precision and care, bringing together canonical figures like Sheridan Le Fanu and Elizabeth Bowen with lesser-known yet equally compelling authors such as Charlotte Riddell, Katharine Tynan, and Lady Gregory. Each story draws from the well of Irish folklore—tales of the aos sí (the fairy folk), the Otherworld, and long-forgotten gods—but reinterprets these themes through the lens of the weird, the gothic, and the psychologically uncanny.

What’s striking about the collection is how seamlessly myth and modernity intermingle. In many of these stories, the supernatural isn’t overtly monstrous but instead lurks in the edges of perception—a glint in the eye, a strange silence, a hill that feels too still. Le Fanu’s signature restraint, Bowen’s psychological sharpness, and Riddell’s subtle domestic horror all contribute to a growing sense of dread that transcends time and place.

The writing throughout is lush, lyrical, and often deeply introspective. These aren’t merely ghost stories; they are meditations on grief, guilt, belief, and the porous boundary between the real and the unreal. Giakanki’s editorial notes—though minimal—are insightful, offering historical and literary context without disrupting the immersive experience of the stories themselves.

Uncanny Ireland is more than just an anthology—it is a spellbinding excavation of a cultural psyche where the supernatural is not separate from the everyday but interwoven into the land, language, and legacy. Whether you’re a longtime devotee of Irish folklore or a newcomer drawn to literary horror, this collection is a masterclass in quiet terror and timeless storytelling.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Elegant, eerie, and richly evocative, Uncanny Ireland is a must-read for lovers of folklore-infused fiction and literary horror. Maria Giakanki has assembled a collection that feels like stepping into a misty glade where the past still whispers—and where not everything you see can be trusted.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncanny Ireland is a rich and atmospheric collection of short stories that explores the eerie, the folkloric, and the otherworldly aspects of Irish storytelling from the 19th and 20th centuries. Edited by Maria Giakaniki, this anthology blends classic ghost stories, rare mythological retellings, and modern spectral chillers into a cohesive and haunting read.

Some tales are from familiar names, while others are lesser-known gems that deserve more attention. The mix of traditional folklore with more contemporary weird fiction keeps things fresh, and the Irish setting adds a layer of melancholy beauty throughout. You can feel the fog, the damp stone, and the whisper of something ancient in the hedgerows.

I read an EPUB ARC that was formatted a bit wonky on my Kindle, which made it a little difficult to get into at first. However, that's a formatting issue, not a content one, and definitely not something most readers will encounter. Once I got into the rhythm, I found the stories incredibly engaging and well-curated.

If you enjoy folklore, the uncanny, or ghost stories with literary flair, this anthology is well worth your time. A solid addition to the shelf of any fan of Irish fiction, supernatural tales, or gothic short stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Richard Quist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for lovers of Irish myth and mystery, highlighting the varied and rich history of Irish story telling and legends, ghost stories and weird tales. My favorite was "The Monks of Saint Bride" which tells the story of Michael Bresnahan, who wanted nothing more than for his wife to stop finding fault with everything that he did. Michael finds himself seeking a solution on All Soul's Night at midnight in the haunted St. Bride abbey, In abject terror he witnesses the ghosts of dead religious Brothers say prayers for the the soul of the dead Lord of the castle from across the valley who was accused of murdering his wife and his brother; a task they must repeat each year for all eternity unless the curse binding them is lifted. The author of "The Monks of Saint Bride" weaves a delightfully scary tale in a style written as it would have been spoken by the locals.

There are many interesting stories contained within "Uncanny Ireland", some of which may be familiar to readers but others are likely less well known and are well worth discovering within these pages.

[Kate Lyn Broom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one up because I’m traveling to Ireland later this year and wanted to get in the mindset (I'm so excited!!!). This anthology was unique, quirky, and at times otherworldly, and I think it gave me a wonderful start of insight into Irish mythos and folklore. I really like The Evil Eye by Lady Jane Wilde in particular - so atmospheric.

I had difficulty with some of the stories, but that's to be expected. It gave me a new appreciation for Ireland’s literary roots and was a fun and immersive way to get (even more) excited about my upcoming trip.

Recommended for fans of Irish folklore, ghost stories, and history through a supernatural lens.

Thank you to editor Maria Giakaniki and Trafalgar Square Publishing for the advance reviewer copy. All opinion are my own.

[Bebo Saucier Carrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was a wonderful collection of Irish folklore/ghost stories. I loved the breadth of this collection, and that it collected stories from various time periods, with various themes, from male and female authors. I'm inspired to check out several of these authors and appreciated the brief bios provided on each of them.

My favorite stories are the following:
"The Curse of the Fires and of the Shadows"
"The Monks of Saint Bride"
"The Wee Gray Woman"
"The Return of Niav"
"The Raising of Elvira Tremlett"

[Sophie Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of Irish folklore stories split into subsections that the stories are based on.
As an Irish person myself, I can say it was incredible to read from many different perspectives and time periods from early 1800 to the early 1900s. Great to read about and visualise the landscapes of what Ireland would have been like back then.
Loved reading this and also learning about the different writers featured, especially Oscar Wilde's mother's story it was incredibly written and o easy to read.

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley, trafalger square publishing and editor, mia gianiki for this arc epub of this book, coming out soon, july 15, 2025. my reviews as with all my arcs are my own feelings and experiences regardless.

this book was a delightful dive into the unique, quirky and at times with an essence of otherworldly flair of irish mythos and folklore. i enjoyed the multi story format which all lead to a unique and fun read.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the early copy!! A solid mix of Irish folklore. All were new to me and there was a great shuffle. Just like any short story collection some were better than others but it was edited well.

[Mikaela Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!

Honestly my favourite parts were reading about the authors lives before each short story. I felt that was a wonderful added piece. It made it feel like a collection that meant something.

As with all short story collections some I enjoyed more than others.

[George Bidwell]

https://open.substack.com/pub/georgeb...

[Alee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really nice collection of different stories. I love Irish / Celtic mythology and lore and this was exactly my jam.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this!