Irish folklore and mythology is a subject for which there is a wealth of information, both print and electronic. Consequently, this pathfinder attempts to provide a limited selection of sources as an introduction to the topic. Every attempt has been made to give examples of the various types of tales available, and not to neglect the classic works. In addition to this primary source material, there are a variety of critical works included.
To get you started, here is a quick sketch of the four major cycles of Irish mythology:
1) the Tuatha Dé Danaan myths: about the ancient divine race who inhabited Ireland before the Celts. They were believed to have become the fairies when they were defeated and driven underground.
2) the Ulster Cycle: the Táin Bó Culaigne, stories about the Red Branch Knights, King Conchobor, and the hero Cuchulain.
3) the Fenian Cycle: stories about Finn MacCool and the warriors of the fiana.
4) the Cycle of the Kings: stories of the kings who ruled Ireland between the third century B.C. and the eighth century A.D.
Connected to these cycles of tales are Irish folktales and fairystories, which deal with the different types of fairies or fantastic creatures and their behavior toward humans.
This pathfinder is intended for anyone interested in Irish folklore. The sources listed have been arranged to facilitate research on Irish literature, to provide examples of stories to tell if one is a teacher or children's librarian, or simply for personal enjoyment. All of the sources are located at either the Walter Royal Davis Library (Davis) or the School of Information and Library Science Library (SILS) of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.