IRISH MYTHOLOGY

Irish history is rich with myths and legends.  Ireland is famous for its fairy lore, which also contains vestiges of pre-Christian tradition. The fairies are known in Irish as the people of the sí (pronounced she), a word which originally designated a mound or tumulus, and the Irish fairies can be connected with early Celtic beliefs of how the dead live on as a dazzling community in their burial chambers. In popular tradition, the Irish have many special powers that normal mortals do not have. One of these is the ability to see fairies.

Irish history is rich in stories and sagas about heroes, fairies, gods, wars and romances. The ancient stories can be divided into four cycles of tales:

	CYCLES OF TALES: There are four cycles of Irish mythology; Mythological Cycle, Ulster Cycle, Fenian Cycle and Cycle of Kings.
	IRISH CLIPART: Artists from all over the world seem to love to create Irish clipart!
	IRISH FAIRIES: Includes Banshees, Clurichauns, Leprechauns and  their gold pots, shamrocks, etc.
	IRISH FAIRY TALES:  Like all Celt's, the Irish were great storytellers. Most of their fables and tales were never captured in the written word.
	IRISH HISTORY: Ireland has withstood invasions since prehistoric times when they were overtaken by the Gaels.
	IRISH KINGDOMS & CLANS: There were several distinct kingdoms and clans of people who called the Emerald Isle their home over the years including; Tuatha Dé Danann, the Fomorians, Milesians and Firbolg.
	IRISH MAP: Ireland is divided into two countries, four provinces and 32 countirs.
	IRISH RELIGION: The roots of early religion in Ireland were pagan.
	IRISH SAYINGS / BLESSINGS: The motto is "Don't say everything you want to say lest you hear something you would not like to hear"!
	IRISH SYMBOLS: The Irish are world renowned for their artful style and their happy, uplifting, attitude about life. This can be easily seen in the various symbols and representations of Irish culture.