Story is a major component of Irish culture – so much so, that the people of the Emerald Isle are known for their “gift of gab” and their ability to “spin a good yarn.” This storytelling tradition comes from their fascinating collection of folklore, myths, and legends. Long ago, these storytellers were known as Seanchaí, which means “bearer of old lore” in Irish Gaelic. Similar to Welsh bards, they would travel around the country and recite their epic poems to a rapt audience in exchange for room and board.*
Podcasters are the modern-day equivalent of this illustrious profession. I love how technology has allowed us to share our cultural stories with each other, and by so doing, has kept this wonderful tradition alive! If you’re interested in Irish stories, the Candelit Tales Podcast is an excellent resource – and the atmospheric music in the background really adds to the experience as well. (But fair warning, the hosts swear a lot in their commentary. You can easily skip over it though).
One of my favorite Irish legends is the tragic romance of Fionn maCumhaill and Sadhbh. It combines a few of my favorite elements: a woman cursed into the form of an animal, a hunter that shows mercy, and a beautiful moment of love at first sight. Sadhbh’s fate is upsetting, but she lives on through her son, Oisín (which means “little deer” in Irish Gaelic). Of course, the romantic in me wants Sadhbh to escape her abusive tormentor and reunite with her family. I can already imagine that ending, and maybe I’ll write it myself someday if nobody else has done so yet 😉 You can listen to the story below.
The wild Irish landscape is also a source of endless inspiration for storytelling. One of William Butler Yeats’s most famous poems is about an idyllic little island he used to visit as a child. His longing for the tranquility of nature is one that I can certainly relate to!
The Lake Isle of Innisfree
I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight’s all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet’s wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart’s core.
Incidentally, there’s a completely different song called “The Isle of Innisfree” that was written by Dick Farrelly. Like the Yeats poem, it idealizes a life of rural simplicity, but it also describes the immigrant experience of having to start over again in another country. I’m sure my ancestors experienced these same emotions when they came over to America. Sometimes I think their yearning for home was passed down through the generations, making us pine for a land we’ve never even visited. Have a listen to Emmett O’Hanlon’s moving rendition of “The Isle of Innisfree.”
LYRICS
I’ve met some folks
Who say that I’m a dreamer
And I’ve no doubt
There’s truth in what they say
But sure a body’s bound to be a dreamer
When all the things he loves are far away
And precious things
Are dreams unto an exile
They take him o’er
The land across the sea
Especially when it happens he’s an exile
From that dear lovely Isle of InnisfreeAnd when the moonlight
Peeps across the rooftops
Of this great city
Wondrous though it be
I scarcely feel its wonder or laughter
I’m once again back home in InnisfreeI wonder o’er green hills
Through dreamy valleys
And find a peace
No other land could know
I hear the birds make music fit for angels
And watch the rivers laughing
As they flow
And then into a humble shack I wander—
My dear old home—
And tenderly behold
The folks I love
Around the turf fire gathered
On bended knee
Their rosary is toldBut dreams don’t last
Though dreams are not forgotten
And soon I’m back
To stern reality
But though they pave
The footways here with gold dust
I still would choose
My Isle of Innisfree
Speaking of the Irish immigrant experience, the 1992 film Far and Away starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman is a great choice for St. Patrick’s Day. The character dynamic of a wealthy (Protestant) woman and a poor (Catholic) man leaving Ireland together is an entertaining one. In America, they are able to overcome the class barrier that divides them, and fall in love with each other. The movie also depicts a real historical event: the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1893.
The Irish’s deeply rooted love for their homeland has influenced every aspect of their culture. Whether it be through song, poetry, or art, they paint their stories the same emerald hue as their majestic landscape. And the world is certainly a much richer place thanks to their beautiful creations 😊
Do you have a favorite book or movie that is set in Ireland? Are you a fan of an Irish author, poet, or musician? Please share your recommendations in the comments!
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Oh how I loved every bit of your lovely post. My daughter immigrated to Ireland with my 4 darling grands 4 years ago and I visit often. It is a land and people you immediately fall deeply in love with. Thank you for this visit through story and song!!
In the spirit of your post...my response in Gaelic. Well done young lady, well done! Beautiful information... "é ar fad. D'éist mé le cúpla athrú ar an amhrán agus gach ceann is féidir leat cumhacht na talún agus na ndaoine a mhothú. Post iontach!