Description

An Irish Folklore Treasury celebrates one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures: the Schools’ Collection of the National Folklore Archive. During the 1930s, thousands of Irish schoolchildren interviewed parents, grandparents, and neighbours, recording local traditions, legends, superstitions, customs, and everyday experiences. Broadcaster and author John Creedon has carefully selected and introduced some of the most fascinating material from this remarkable archive, creating an engaging portrait of traditional Irish life.

Organised into themed chapters, the book explores ghost stories, mythical heroes, farming, forgotten crafts, food, folk medicine, weather lore, religious customs, games, festivals, and childhood memories. These authentic accounts reveal the ingenuity, resilience, humour, and imagination of ordinary people while preserving regional traditions that have shaped Ireland’s cultural identity for generations. Creedon’s thoughtful introductions provide historical context without losing the charm and authenticity of the original voices.

Beautifully presented and highly accessible, An Irish Folklore Treasury is an essential read for anyone interested in Irish folklore, social history, genealogy, and traditional culture. It offers a rare opportunity to experience Ireland’s rich oral heritage through the words of those who lived it.