Ballygally Castle Hotel Ghost

Every proper Irish castle has to have a ghost of some kind, and the ghost of Ballygally has been around for the best part of 400 years!

The popular theory is that the ghost is that of Lady Isobella Shaw, wife of Lord James Shaw. Lord Shaw wanted a son and when his wife delivered his heir, he snatch the baby from his wife. He locked her is a room at the top of the castle. While trying to escape to search for her beloved child, Lady Isobella fell to her death from the tower window!

Another theory is that she was actually thrown out of the window by the cruel Lord Shaw or one of his henchmen!

Lady Isobella's ghost is reputed to be a friendly spirit who walks the corridors of the old castle. Over the years many guests have reported strange experiences and have felt a presence in their rooms! There are also endless stories of unexplained noises in the night, and an eerie green mist over the castle! The hotel is so fiercly proud of their permanent resident they have given her her own bedroom 'The Ghost Room; in one of the towers in the oldest part of the castle!

In for a spooky adventure? Why not stay in Ballygally Castle! Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

The Watershee: Irish Folklore

Steeped in fairytale, mystery and a somewhat bloody history - the Emerald Isle naturally has its fair share of chilling stories, murdered spirits and friendly ghosts. The folktales of the Watershee are sure to tingle your spine!

The Watershee usually appears as either a female fairy or a beautiful woman. She lures weary travelers into bogs and lakes with her sweet singing. Then  drowns them and devours their souls.

Travelers wearing a cross or saying a prayer will be protected from the Watershee's dark and evil ways. Travel to Ireland, the land of myth and magic, with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Finn McCool: Irish Folklore

The mystical Causeway Coast and Glens region is steeped in myths, magic and folklore! Learn about the legend of Finn McCool.

The legend tells us that the Irish giant, Finn McCool has a rival - a Scottish giant names Benandonner. Finn McCool decided to build a causeway to Scotland so that he could challenge his adversary in battle. When the work was completed, the causeway stretched from North Antrim in Ireland to Staffa in Scotland. Benandonner accepted the invitation to walk over to Ireland and fight for supremacy. As Benandonner appeared over the horizon, Finn McCool realized in horror that he had taken on a rival much bigger than himself. He ran home to his wife, Oonagh. What to do? The quick thinking Oonagh disguised Finn as a baby and made him curl up in an enormous cradle. Benandonner, faced with the sigh of the huge 'child; took fright at the thought of the size of his father and fled back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway in his wake.

Step out onto the hexagonal rocks of the Giant's Causeway and imagine the gigantic battle that would have taken place. Travel to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations!

Fairy Stories: Irish Folklore

Spirited stories are handed down through the ages with, it sometimes seems, every house of importance boasting its own ghost. Story telling isn't confined to traditional tales, for in almost every pub you'll find someone ready to spin a yarn to an appreciative audience! Perhaps its something in our water...or it could be that its the local whiskey which prompts spirited tales!

Discover the Irish Folklore on your next vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

The Wedding of Taisie: Irish Folklore

Steeped in fairytale, mystery and a somewhat bloody history - the Emerald Isle naturally has its fair share of chilling stories, murdered spirits and friendly ghosts. The Wedding of Taisie is a love triangle folktale.

Taisie was the beautiful daughter of the King of Rathlin. Her beauty was known far and wide. It wasn't long before she gained the attentions of the King of Norway. In true norsemen style, he sent a contingent of his men to bring her back to be his bride. But his demand was refused for Taisie was promised to Congal, heir to the Kingdom of Ireland. When Taisie and Congal's wedding celebrations were in full swing, the King of Norway suddenly arrived with his army. His intent was to capture Taisie. However, in the battle that followed, the Norwegian king was killed. His army returned home leaderless and empty handed.

Discover the folklore and mystery on your next vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Ossian the Bard: Irish Folklore

Steeped in fairytale, mystery and a somewhat bloody history - the Emerald Isle naturally has its fair share of chilling stories, murdered spirits and friendly ghosts. Have you heard of Ossian the Bard?

Son of the giant known for his connection with the Giant's Causeway, Finn McCool, Ossian the Bard was also a great warrior and a poet to match. Ossian was tempted to join Niamh, a lady of the 'Underworld', in the 'Land of Eternal Youth' where no one ever aged.

He was warned never to set foot on land again or he would at once grow old and frail. But we couldn't resist coming back to Glenaan and set about doing so on horseback. Legend has it that Ossian the Bard fell from his horse while assisting an old lady. We aged and died almost as soon as he made contact with the ground. A stoneage burial cairn near Cushendall has long been romantically associated with the grave of Ossian.

Whether interested in stoneage attractions of the Irish Folklore, check out the grave of Ossian near Cushendall on your vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

The Vanishing Horsemen: Irish Folklore

Loughareema lake lies in an area riddled with sink-holes, and it empties rapidly through these to underground watercourses, and can fill again quickly as rainwater drains off the surrounding bogs. The old road ran across the dry bed of the lake, and one dark night long ago, a Colonel McNeill, his coachmen and horses drowned when the driver misjudged the state of the water level. It is said that their ghosts still haunt the lake.

Discover the folklore of Ireland on your Irish Vacation with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Fairy Facts: Irish Folklore of Trees

There has always been a strong association in the Glens of Antrim between the hawthorn tree and fairies. Small, gnarled hawthorns, often of great age, survive on slopes and in fields where other obstructions to the plough have long since been removed. Stories abound of the misfortunes that have befallen those foolish enough to cut down a 'skeoch' as they are known. Some of the misfortunate have been 'struck dumb' or even had their  head turned back-to-front.

Twigs of hazel are flavored by water diviners and noted for providing protection against mischievous fairies. Alder, on the other hand, is feared for harboring water spirits and the ash is said to be the first tree that lightning will strike, and should be avoided during a storm.

The survival of beliefs and traditions within the Glens continues to enrich the cultural heritage of the area, and, although not everyone will admit to believing in fairies, few would dare to cut down a hawthorn tree.

Learn more about Irish folklore on your vacation to Ireland with Celtic Tours World Vacations

Chladdagh - Irish Folklore

'Claddagh' refers to a small fishing village in Ireland’s County Galway that the emblem was named after. The village has since become an extension of the city of Galway itself, but the message paired with its name has lived on for years after.
The Claddagh is a symbol featuring a heart which is supported by two opened hands and adorns a crown.

According to Claddagh.com, the design symbolizes Love, as indicated by the heart, Loyalty & Fidelity, shown with a crown, and Friendship & Faith, as marked by the pair of hands. Jewelry adorned with the symbol is popular amongst those with Irish descent and is often given as a symbol of friendship or embellished on wedding rings.

Learn more about the traditions of Ireland on your next tour of Ireland with Celtic Tours. Visit our website for Irish vacation inspiration!

Shamrock

The Shamrock plant is Ireland's national symbol, derivative of the Irish seamróg, meaning “young clover.” Traditionally worn by the Irish and the Irish-for-a Day on St. Patrick’s Day, its origins date far back to Saint Patrick himself. St. Patrick used the shamrock as a way to teach the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity—that God was composed of three entities: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, however each encompassed the others and come together in one meaning, just as the leaves on a shamrock converge with a single stem.

Typically consisting of 3 leaves, it is a rare occurrence when one discovers a 4-leaf clover. Universally accepted as a symbol of good luck, the four leaf clover remains an extraordinary discovery that will yield good fortune for the remainder of the finder’s existence. For this reason, the four leaf clover is a symbol for luck and happiness in Ireland and its meaning is globally known around the world.

Learn more about the folklore of Ireland on your next Irish vacation with Celtic Tours. Visit our website for some Celtic Vacation Inspiration!