An Irish Folklore Treasury: A Selection of Old Stories, Ways and Wisdom from the School's Collection

by John Creedon

In this people’s history of Ireland, John Creedon introduces a fascinating collection of stories from the Schools’ Collection. This treasure trove of old stories, ways and wisdom, which could have been lost for ever, was collected by schoolchildren as part of a nationwide project set up in the 1930s to preserve Irish folklore.

Published here for the first time, this ‘best of’ selection includes chapters on ghost stories, agriculture, forgotten trades, schooling and pastimes. The result is an incredible arc of folk history that tells us about ourselves and how we lived long ago.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Irish Literature, Folklore, Ireland

320 pages, Hardcover

Published January 12, 2023

Reviews

[Gearóid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun to read.
Reminded me of the night my brother and I thought we heard a banshee screaming!!!
We were utterly terrified but we were only about 10 years of age.lol
I do wonder even now though was it a banshee.....

Highly recommend and John Creedon does great TV series travelling around Ireland which are very interesting.He is a natural storyteller and has a love for the Irish language and history.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly readable journey through Irish folklore as re-counted by Irish school children in the 1930s. It’s amazing how much I half-remember.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

FINALLY, after nearly 6 months, I’ve finished it. This book has plenty of interesting insights and and tidbits about Irish folklore that I never would have known (did you know leprechauns are fairy cobblers?). However, I assume because these stories are written by children, they are largely matter-of-fact and the book is not the most page-turning read. The interesting pieces feel too few and far between. I’m glad I’ve read it but I’m also glad I’m done with it.

[Sarah M · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Brilliant!

[Ita C · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a read, perfect for this time of year, especially beside the fire. John’s introductions at the top of each section set each scene perfectly. While I’ve browsed through some school collections the Duchas website, it was fantastic to have such a variety of stories gathered into such a wonderful collection. My 95yr old great-aunt was one of those who collected the stories for her school (where her parents taught) and it’s amazing to read through and think of how much has changed in her time since then. This book really encapsulates both our lived and living history-míle buíochas John and all involved for such a lovely read!

[Bébhinn Ní Riain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very mixed feelings on this book. John Creedon's writing is, as always, very engaging and interesting with a bit of wit sprinkled in. However, the selection of folklore itself is very mixed in tone. Some of it is funny or interesting, but a significant portion is quite dull or matter of fact. This made it a struggle to finish the book, and I'm exhausted from it. Given that the folklore was written by primary school kids in the 30s, this is understandable. I wouldn't recommend reading this book from cover to cover, instead I would take it chapter by chapter. Read a chapter that stands out to you (not necessarily in order).

[Taylor Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina and I found this book in perfect condition on the sidewalk from our hostel in Dublin on our way to catch the train to Galway. Spent the entire train-ride reading feverishly and finishing the book while Mina graded her student’s work on her laptop. I learned so much about my heritage, the rich folklore of Ireland, and the extent of deep suffering and resilience demonstrated by generations. I don’t know if she still has the book as I don’t remember leaving it behind, but couldn’t find it on the way back.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book! I absolutely loved dipped in and out of the various different stories in this book! An Irish Folklore Treasury puts together various stories that were collected by school children and teachers during the 1930s in Ireland and became the national folklore archives schools' collection. This book only has a handful of these stories taken from various themes such as supernatural beings, mythical heroes, ghost stories, life on the land, the old trades, the food we ate, home crafts, hedge schools to national schools, games and pastimes, folk medicine, weather, religion, hard times, feast days and celebrations. The book is a wealth of knowledge! The duchas website is where more of the stories are included and I also love looking at the website for more stories.

I loved the way John organized the stories into their themed chapters and also included his thoughts on what was to come in that chapter. The illustrations are also amazing in this! It's definitely a book I would recommend reading or just dipping in and out of the different stories. I took my time reading this one and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[gerard brangan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read.....lots of interesting stories, no doubt some 'stretchers'(as Mark Twain would say) along the way and some clever mixes of ghost stories, legends and half truths!!
Something for everyone ( if you're Irish!!....and who isn't?)

[Brónagh Ní Chuilinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from start to finish. It’s the type of book you can leave and come back to. A fantastic initiative done by the state back in the 1930’s. It’s a pity they don’t do it again today before the older generation die out.

Overall 9/10. Definitely worth a read!

[Aaron Badgley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very much a people's history of Ireland, covering many aspects. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and learned a great deal.

[David Cowpar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to John Creedon for editing this book and going through the folklore archive for these gems. Thoroughly enjoyed the read.

[Ilonita50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! So interesting, covering all the aspects of those living at the time!