Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland

Visions and Beliefs in the West of Ireland is a book by Lady Gregory, first published in 1920, with annotations by W.B. Yeats. This work is a collection of folklore, supernatural tales, and local beliefs gathered from the rural communities of Ireland’s western regions.

Lady Gregory, a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, recorded these stories through direct conversations with villagers, preserving an oral tradition that was at risk of disappearing. The book captures the deep-rooted mysticism of Irish culture, exploring themes of fairies, ghosts, omens, and visions that shaped the spiritual landscape of the Irish countryside.

W.B. Yeats, a longtime collaborator and fellow champion of Irish folklore, provided annotations that enrich the text with his own insights and interpretations. His notes highlight connections between these folk beliefs and broader mythological and poetic traditions, adding literary depth to Lady Gregory’s careful documentation.

This collaboration makes the book not only a valuable record of Ireland’s supernatural traditions but also a bridge between folklore and literature. This edition includes both the first and second series of the books.