Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland

Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms, and Superstitions of Ireland is a book by Lady Francesca Speranza Wilde, first published in 1887. Drawing on oral tradition and the author's lifelong interest in Irish folk culture, this classic collection brings together fairy lore, popular superstitions, ancient legends, charms, and local beliefs from across Ireland. The book opens a window onto rural Ireland’s imaginative world — from leprechauns, fairies and the phouka to tales of shape-shifting, the evil eye, and old household charms. Each story is presented with attention to the voice and idiom of the teller, preserving regional color and the storytelling cadence of the peasantry. Readers looking for authentic Irish legends, fairy tales, or accounts of traditional charms will find vivid narratives and explanations of beliefs that once shaped everyday life. Beyond entertainment, the volume serves as a primer for anyone researching Irish superstition, folklore studies, or comparative mythology. Ideal for fans of Celtic folklore, historical myth collections, and traditional belief systems, this work remains a cornerstone in the canon of Irish folktales.