13/03/2026
IRELAND'S MYTHS & LEGENDS
One-day introductory course with Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland
Venue: Glebe House, Dowth, County Meath, A92 PY64
Dates: Saturday 7th March and Saturday 4th April
Times: 10am to 6pm (arrive 9.30am)
Price includes venue hire, tea/coffee/refreshments and pastries.
Bring a packed lunch.
Some of the topics we will cover in this one-day course:
•The major manuscripts containing Irish myth, and their origins.
•Key monasteries where myth manuscripts were produced.
•How much written myth survived, and how much was lost?
•The four cycles of Irish mythology: the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle and the King's Cycle.
•Key scholars in Irish mythology, Celticism and medieval studies.
•The relationship between Irish monks and kings and how this shaped the writing of Ireland's myths.
•How much of what is contained in the manuscripts is original, and how much has been altered by ecclesiastical scribes?
•The nativist versus anti-nativist views on the origins of our myths.
•Irish creation myths - the killing of the Máta and the drowning of Bóinn.
•Lebor Gabála Érenn - the Book of Invasions: why it is such an important book.
•Lebor Gabála Érenn - what's original, and what was added by monks?
•Lebor Gabála Érenn - the six 'takings' of Ireland: Cessair, Partholón, Nemed, Fir Bolg, Tuatha Dé Danann and Milesians.
•Who were the Tuatha Dé Danann and where did they go?
•Folk prophecy about the return of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
•Why are the Milesians (Gaedhil) so important in Irish myth and history?
•What secrets are hidden in Irish myths?
•We'll examine specific stories to extract deep meaning: Aislinge Oenguso, Tochmarc Étaín, De Gabáil in t-Sída, Altram Tige Dá Medar, Cath Maige Tuired (the Second Battle of Moytura), Finn and the Salmon of Knowledge, The Settling of the Manor of Tara, and more.
•The top 15 books dealing with Irish mythology, legend and folklore: my recommendations.
Book at the link in the comments.
