Irish Imbas: Celtic Mythology Collection

by Brian O'Sullivan (Editor)

Over the past centuries, many of the most important Celtic cultural narratives and tales have been relegated to the status of children’s stories or cartoonish caricature, misunderstood and misinterpreted for as long as most of us can remember.

This collection by a new wave of contemporary authors hauls Celtic stories out of the dusty shadows and with succinct mythological analysis places them back into the light where they belong.

Love, mystery and drama, these fascinating tales mark a new movement of authentic and original Celtic-based writing and a better understanding of Celtic cultures.

The ‘Fairies’, the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’, the ‘Children of Lir’ and the ‘Selkie’. They’re all waiting here for you.

Na Ceiltigh, abú!

Genres: Mythology, Ireland, Short Stories, Fantasy, Folklore, Irish Literature, Research

84 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2016

About the author

Brian O'Sullivan was born in county Cork, Ireland. On completing a degree at University College Cork, he went on to travel extensively. He is now based in New Zealand with his family but returns to Ireland on a regular basis.

Brian writes fiction that incorporates strong elements of Irish culture, language, history and mythology. These include literary short stories (The Irish Muse collection), mystery thrillers (The Beara Trilogy) and contemporary versions of the Fionn mac Cumhaill/ Fenian legends (The Fionn mac Cumhaill Series and the Irish Woman Warrior Series).

Although he writes predominantly for an Irish audience, Brian's unique style and humour has meant that his books have become firm favorites of readers all around the world.

The sixth book in the the Fionn mac Cumhaill Series (Fionn: The Betrayal) was released in April 2025.

The author is currently working on the next book in the Beara Series.

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and very good.

While the stories are short, they are all well written and interesting. Nice to have modern tales with hints of past mythology coming through

[Chris The Story Reading Ape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading.

An interesting series of short stories, based on points of view different from the usual interpretations of various tales from Irish Celtic Legends, followed by informative commentaries by Brian O’Sullivan.
Plus, a bonus extract from his book, FIONN: Defence of Ráth Bládhma.

[S.L. Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 overall for me.

Technically, I didn’t finish this book, but I finished the 37% that was what I thought it was—a collection of short stories based on Irish myths and legends.

I enjoyed the modern takes on the myths of fairies, selkies, and other Irish tales as well as the history behind these and the editor’s experiences growing up with them.

The remaining 63% of this book is an excerpt from Brian O’Sullivan’s novel, which I didn’t read because I was anticipating a longer short story collection. I’m a bit disappointed that this wasn’t in the description of the book, but it was also a free book, so I can’t complain all that much. I may go back and read it; it’s just not what I’m after right now.

Overall, the stories are good, entertaining reads... you just don’t get a whole book of them!

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first 30% of this book was fantastic - and worthy of 4.5 stars. Sadly the remaining 70% (minus an interesting bit about the writing competition) was all self-promotion and other books from the author. Had the entire book been what the first 30% was this would have been a much higher rating.

If I wanted adverts, I’d look on a publishers website, and if I wanted to read an extract - I’d find one elsewhere!

That said, it’s tickled my interest in mythology - so I will certainly be looking for alternative collections to read!

[Sharkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know where my desire to read folklore came from; but this is where it ended up, and it didn't disappoint in the slightest. These Celtic tales are just a nice, simple read, while learning about Celtic mythology.
I highly recommend.

[Maksymilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruh, where the content at

[Petrina Binney · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are stories from ancient Celtic culture, but revamped for a modern audience of readers. I loved the stories - some of which I’d already heard of, The Salmon of Knowledge, The Children of Lir, and I loved reading about the legend of the Selkie and the misunderstanding of Fairies.

The writing was beautiful and poetic, very touching, I really enjoyed it.

The shorts conclude with a short section about writing competitions, and a whole heap of reviews and testimonials which I found rather tiresome.

And then, we get to the Bonus Extract from FIONN: Defence of Ráth Bládhma. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I hear the phrase 'Bonus Material', I assume there’ll be a chapter or two from another book, inserted as a teaser at the end of the book - to encourage the reader to try some of the author’s other books. Said teaser will take up, what, 5-10% of the overall book. That sounds right, doesn’t it?

Read on my Kindle, I was able to see exactly where the bonus extract began - at 37%. Although well written, it felt a little bit cynical to shove a pile of book at the end of what I’d been reading. I did enjoy it, but it wasn’t what I was expecting from this collection.

It’s only due to the quality of the writing that I stuck with the four stars. An extract that takes up more than half the book would ordinarily have pushed me towards a three.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice, short little read that takes several classic elements of Celtic folklore and presents them in a more modern context. It was a highly enjoyable read, and O'Sullivan adds explanations of the traditional legends associated with each story, which makes it a highly accessible one as well.

[Jessica Lucci · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Irish Imbas: Celtic Mythology Collections Book 1" is half folklore, half history. The author tells the tales of ancient Celts while remaining true to the original flavours. Each story is accompanied by an explanation or description of how the story came to be, how it was passed down through generations and cultures, and how important the origins are to the story.

It was interesting to me to discover the origins of these lost classics.

[Nicifor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Opinion

'Hawthorne Close' by Sighle Meehan 2☆
'A Mainland Mansie Meur' by Sheelagh Russell-Brown  4☆
'In a Small Pond' by  Marc McEntegart 3☆
'Lir' by Coral Atkinson 3☆
'Transit Hours' by Marie Gethins 2☆

Due to valuable 'Mythological Context' provided by Brian O’Sullivan after each story this books gets 4☆ from myself.

'Extract from FIONN: Defence of Ráth Bládhma' not accounted in rate

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect but found these short tales with a more modern take on old Celtic myths and folklore delightful. I also really appreciated Brian O’Sullivan’s commentary that accompanied each of the tales. The original myths would have been passed on to each new generation. These new tales will likely not be as we have lost that passion and desire to pass on such tales (as well as the old folk songs) to current and future generations.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers several short stories firmly based in old Irish myth and legend, with all the wonder and none of the gooey Celtic Twilight. Good stuff! But there's more! Each story is accompanied by a very short essay which provides the context that we modern non-Irish folk would not know Very well done.

[Mallory]

Don't judge this book by its cover. This is a marvelous collection of Irish folk tales grounded in contemporary life, giving the reader an experience akin to that of the ancestors who heard them so long ago. Very well-written and highly engaging, with notes on context accompanying each story that help to better understand the significance of the lore.

[A Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the modern retelling of the folklore and fairytales that were chosen. Overall they were well-written, and the explanation following each story about traditional beliefs/representations were interesting. But most of the book was devoted to the "bonus material," which wasn't why I picked up this book.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Folk lore

Good overview of Celtic folklore with historical explanations provided. Not for the Casual reader, this book includes extensive historical information mixed with folk lore.

[Shannon Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, modern folk tales

Well-written and interesting if you want to dip your toe into Celtic myth. This is a great read. Highly recommend.

[Emma Que · Rating 3 out of 5]

intriguing collection of shorts

a brief exploration of Celtic mythology that introduces a few central stories and concepts to its audience in the form of short tales

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining.

[R Varadarajah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected it to be based on older myths - but it gave a modern twist to the old myths

[Teri Stich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the first section and the last, the middle bothered me.

[Ali Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the reading and learned a few things that could serve me in my writing. It left me thirsty for more, like a teaser. Perhaps this was done on purpose for marketing reasons.

[Bill Ramsell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has a good premise. Modern tales featuring Celtic mythology.

I enjoyed the tales, but more than half of the book was ads and previews for the editors own novels! That's right, more than HALF.

It's a great idea to try to bring the folklore of the Celts to a wider audience, but maybe stick to that script a little better?

[Curt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative as well as entertaining. The only problem was, and I knew it going into the book, was that all of the stories are very short stories which I normally don't like

[Jessica Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Celtic stories have always fascinated me to the point of researching names and words unfamiliar to me then reading those stories or descriptions which causes more curiosity and research. These stories are wonderfully written and I enjoyed reading them. Can't wait to start the second book.

[Limary Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always a pleasure to read classic stories and a plus when they come with an explanation of its roots. I really enjoyed that part of the book. Nonetheless, half the book is a sneak peak that is way too long for another book.

[emma schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just your usual mythology book

This is actually a collection of short stories inspired by Celtic folklore, written by contemporary Celtic authors. Brian O'Sullivan goes to "clarify" its mythological roots and also demystify the mutation that the original myths and beliefs went through over the centuries. I loved the twists and changes of perspective in the modern stories. Definitely would recommend to readers with any kind of genre affiliation.

[Teruru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice mixture of fiction and on-fiction. The book was shorter than I'd expected but still packed an emotional and intellectual wallop.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't quite what I was looking for but was worth the time it took to read it!

[Rachel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection makes the claim of stories based solidly on Celtic tradition and not Anglicized or otherwise changed versions--and it delivers.

I'm not an expert on Celtic mythology, but the opening clearly outlines the differences between 'fairies' or 'elves' and the like and proper Celtic mythology, as well as explaining why so much of the knowledge is lost or distorted.

It's like a fairytale book, but better; these stories have an old, real feeling to them. It's a lot more genuine than a lot of mythology and fairytale/folktale books I've picked up, possibly because the authors are clearly very immersed and knowledgeable about their topic. The stories may be set more in the modern era, but they belong to the Celtic tradition more than a hundred fairytales that claim to be set in that time.

I definitely recommend it if you enjoy Celtic stories.