Birds of Ireland: Symbolism, Myth and Folklore

By Roger O'Reilly

Discover how Irish birds connect ancient myths, beliefs, and stories with real landscapes and symbolism.

Birds of Ireland explores the deep and fascinating connections between Irish birds and the ancient myths, beliefs and stories that have been passed down through generations. It delves into the symbolic importance of birds in Irish culture, examining the roles they play in mythological tales, from the sacred crane of the Tuatha D Danann to the tragic swans of the Children of Lir. Alongside these stories, we have the real-world birds that have shaped the landscape of Ireland's flora and fauna, connecting the sacred with the natural.

Beautifully illustrated throughout, Birds of Ireland is an exploration of how these creatures, both mythical and real, have shaped our understanding of the natural world, the divine, and our place within and sometimes, between both.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1804585742
• ISBN13: 9781804585740
• Release Date: December 2026
• Publisher: Gill Books
• Length: 192 Pages