30 Irish Mythological Creatures and Their Legends

For thousands of years, Irish mythological creatures have stirred the shadows, woven into tales whispered by firelight and guarded through generations of storytellers.

Celtic mythological creatures embodied the fears, hopes, and wonders of Ireland’s people, from ancient times to modern day.

From powerful Celtic Gods who ruled the land to mischievous faeries dancing in hidden glens, each creature features prominently in Irish folklore.

Irish mythological creatures and monsters from Celtic folklore

Celtic mythological creatures come in all shapes and sizes, from harmless spirits to fearsome beasts lurking in the shadows.

In Celtic mythology, some of these beings enchant with quiet mischief, while others instil terror with a single glance.

1. The Banshee

The Banshee is one of the better-known of the many Irish mythological creatures, mainly due to the popularity of storytelling in Irish culture.

A female spirit from Irish mythology, the Banshee can appear in many forms.

She can be an old woman with frightening eyes, a pale lady in a white dress, or a beautiful woman wearing a shroud.

Regardless of how she looks, it’s her wail that sends shivers up the spine of many, as it signals impending doom.

2. The Puca

The Púca is one of the more mischievous Irish folklore creatures, known to bring both good and bad fortune.

This shapeshifter takes on various animal forms, always clad in a dark coat.

With the power of human speech, the Púca delights in confusing—and sometimes terrifying—those who cross its path.

3. The Abhartach (The Irish Vampire)

The Abhartach is arguably the scariest of the Irish mythology creatures.

Now, it’s widely known that Bram Stoker’s Dracula has close ties to Ireland.

The author was, of course, born in Dublin. However, it’s not Dracula that we’re referring to, here.

The tale of the Abhartach is one that’s hard to debunk, and many believe that the story is based on fact.

In this guide, we tell the story of this Celtic mythological creature, and offer insight into where in Ireland it roamed (and where it’s now buried).

4. Fairies

Fairies are among the best-known Irish folklore creatures, with their presence appearing in everything from Disney movies to video games.

In Irish tradition, faeries are central figures, divided into two groups:

1. The Seelie, who are friendly and helpful
2. The Unseelie, who often have darker, mischievous intentions

5. The Dearg Due

Ah, the Dearg Due.

She may linger in the shadows of the more famous Abhartach, but she is no less terrifying.

The Dearg Due is one of several Irish mythical creatures / Irish monsters with traits akin to a vampire.

Her name, meaning “red bloodsucker,” suits her well—she’s a cunning predator who seduces men only to drain them of their blood.

6. The Man-Wolves of Ossory

In the mist-laden hills of ancient Ireland, where shadows stretch long and wolves once roamed wild, there lived a tribe of Celtic monsters with fierce eyes and untamed hearts – the Man-Wolves of Ossory

When Ireland’s kings called upon them, these mighty warriors, descendants of Laignech Fáelad himself, would rise to defend the land, cloaked in the spirit of the wolf.

Their howl could chill even the bravest, for these wolf-men held a magic as old as the stones beneath their feet.

7. The Oilliphéist

The Oilliphéist is one of the ancient Celtic folklore creatures, as old and fearsome as Ireland’s rivers and lakes!

These dragon-like monsters, vast as the sea itself, were known to stir from the depths, darkening the waters with their coils.

They were not easily bested, mind you! Even Saint Patrick himself had his battles with these great beasts.

And in one tale, a drunken piper named Ó Ruairc found himself swallowed whole—yet, undeterred, he played his pipes so stubbornly inside the Celtic monster’s belly that it spat him back out!

8. The Leprechaun

The Leprechaun is arguably the best known of the many Celtic creatures – mainly due to its association with Ireland and the quirky tale attached to it.

In Irish folklore, these elf-like creatures are tricksters who cannot be trusted and will deceive you whenever possible.

Contrary to popular belief, the Leprechaun has nothing to do with the term the Luck of the Irish. This term actually has offensive origins.

9. Bánánach (Irish Demons)

In the ancient lore of Ireland, the bánánach were eerie spectres that haunted the blood-soaked fields of battle.

They are mentioned in the epic Táin Bó Cúailnge alongside other supernatural beings—bócanachs, spirits of the glen, and sky demons.

Together, they add to the mysterious and ominous presence that lingers over sites of conflict.

These airborne Celtic monsters may have had a goat-like appearance and were associated with violence and death.

10. The Merrow

The Merrow is a mermaid-like Celtic mythological creature, known for their ability to traverse between land and sea.

These mysterious beings often appear as green-haired maidens or grotesque mermen and have been central to Irish stories, such as “The Lady of Gollerus”.

While mermaids are depicted as beautiful and gentle, mermen are often shown as grotesque figures, a contrast that perhaps explains why mermaids are more inclined to seek out humans on land.

11. The Muckie

The Muckie was a mysterious Irish mythical creature that’s said to inhabit the Lakes of Killarney in Ireland, earning it comparisons with Scotland’s Lough Ness Monster.

Interestingly enough, back in 2003 scientists conducted a number of scans using sonar technology to understand more about the lakes fish population.

However, eerily, the sonar encountered a large solid mass, which has fuelled speculation that the lake is inhabited by one of the last remaining Celtic mythological creatures.

12. Balor of the Evil Eye

Balor was a fearsome leader of the Fomorians, malevolent supernatural beings and was known for his “evil eye,” a deadly gaze that could unleash destruction.

To prevent a prophecy that he would be killed by a descendant, Balor kept his daughter locked in a tower.

However, her son Lugh survived, and when they eventually met, Lugh killed Balor, fulfilling the prophecy.

13. The Far Darrig

The Far Darrig (“Red Man”), is a mischievous faerie in Irish mythology, often depicted wearing a red coat and cap.

Known for their dark, hairy skin, long snouts, and skinny tails, these “Rat Boys” revel in practical jokes.

Among Ireland’s solitary faeries, like the leprechaun and clurichaun, the Far Darrig is notorious for swapping babies with changelings and is even linked to nightmares.

14. The Dullahan

The Dullahan is one of the more fearsome Irish mythological creatures, often depicted as a headless horseman or coachman who carries his own ghastly head.

This severed head, with its skin resembling mouldy cheese and wide, darting eyes, can see far across the land to spot those near death.

Riding a black horse or driving a carriage known as the Cóiste Bodhar, or “Silent Coach,” the Dullahan signals imminent death.

His appearance is marked by eerie silence or, in some tales, a spine-chilling sound as he cracks a whip made from a human spine, warning all who dare witness his passage.

15. Fomorians

Now, just to be clear – the Fomorians aren’t exactly dangerous Celtic mythological creatures, they’re more terrifying in appearance.

A race of supernatural giants, Fomorians are often described as hideous-looking monsters who came from the sea/underworld.

Irish tales tell many tales of these creatures who were one of the earliest races to settle in Ireland, along with the mighty Tuatha Dé Danann.

16. Ellén Trechend

Ellén Trechend was a true Celtic monster. In fact, it was a 3-headed Celtic monster! 

Now, like many Irish mythological creatures, the form of Ellén Trechend changes depending on the tale.

Some stories represent the creature with the form of a vulture, while others describe it as a fire-breathing dragon.

Ellén Trechend is known to emerge from a cave and embark on a rampage of destruction in a tale called the Cath Maige Mucrama.

17. Abcán

The next of the Celtic mythology creatures is the mighty Abcán.

A dwarf poet and a musician, Abcán was a member of the fearless Tuatha Dé Danann.

He used to own a bronze boat with a tin sail. In one story, Abcan gets captured by the great Irish warrior Cú Chulainn.

How did he free himself? He whipped out an instrument and played soothing music until Cú Chulainn fell asleep.

18. The Sluagh

Sluaghs were one of a handful of Irish mythical creatures that well and truly creeped me out as a child, after hearing stories about them from friends.

These Celtic monsters were restless spirits that were said to be neither welcome in hell or heaven, so they were left to roam the lands.

According to legend, the Sluaghs were angry about their fate and would snatch the soul of anyone with who they cross paths.

19. The Fairy Queen

You can’t talk about Irish mythological creatures without mentioning the fairies.

And you can’t mention the fairies without first introducing the fairy queen. 

The ruler of all fairies, the Fairy Queen is one of the most famous Celtic creatures.

Often named Titanian or Mab, she is often described as both seductive and beautiful.

20. Fear Gorta

The Fear Gorta is one of a number of Celtic folklore creatures that emerged during the time of the famine in Ireland.

The Fear Gorta is a Celtic creature that takes the form of a tired and weather beating man, who begs for food.

In exchange, the Fear Gorta (also often referred to as “man of hunger”) offers fortunes to those that offer assistance or kindness.

21. The Clurichaun

The Clurichaun is a strange one.

It’s like the Pooka, to an extent, in that it plays jokes on people, but that’s where the similarities end.

In a nutshell, this is one of a number of Irish folklore creatures that closely resemble people that you’ll find in towns and villages across the world.

The Clurichaun takes on the appearance of an old man that’s too fond of alcohol and that likes to play tricks on people.

22. Glas Gaibhnenn

If you’re looking for stories about Irish mythical creatures to tell your kids, then this one is more than suitable!

In old Irish folk tales, Glas Gaibhnenn was a magical cow with green spots that could produce endless supplies of milk for its owners.

There’s no mystery why, during a time when food was scarce, stories of this Irish mythical creature were a firm favourite.

23. Aos Sí

Aos Sí translates to “people of the mound”.

These Celtic folklore creatures can be very protective and can appear in a form of either beautiful or grotesque creatures.

According to legend, if a human did something to offend them, they wouldn’t hesitate in seeking painful revenge.

24. Aibell

Aibell is one of a number of Irish mythology creatures that uses music to defeat their enemies.

A guardian of the Dál gCais (an Irish clan), Aibell is the Fairy Queen of Thomond.

She lived on Craig Liath and played a magic harp.

It is believed that whoever listened to her play would die rather sooner than later.

25. The Cailleach

The Cailleach is one of several Irish mythical creatures that has different forms, depending on who’s telling the story.

In old Irish folklore, the Cailleach was said to be a hag that was responsible for the creation of earth.

In Scottish folklore, she is said to be one with the immense ability to influence the weather.

Often referred to as the Queen of Winter, Cailleach is one of the great Celtic mythological creatures. She controlled the weather and the winds and was popular among many Irish poets.

26. Failinis

Long ago in the misty realms of Ireland, there trotted a beast like no other—Failinis, a hound of wondrous might and mystic gift.

One of the only Irish folklore creatures that could bend the elements, it was said to turn any stream it touched into the richest wine.

With a coat of colours that shimmered like starlight and fire, Failinis held sway over wild creatures.

Great battles were fought over this hound, kings and warriors laying down their lives to claim its power. And so, in legend, the echoes of Failinis still linger, haunting the hills of Ireland.

27. Gancanag

The Gancanagh is another strange one, and arguably falls into the ‘Celtic monsters’ category, thanks to how his victims end up.

The Gancanagh was known to seduce both men and women with what were said to be addictive toxins that emitted a powerful, alluring scent.

However, all wasn’t as it seemed.

Those that fell victim to his seductive charm ended up passing away not long after.

28. Donn Cúailnge

This was no mere beast, but a creature born of magic and rivalry—a bull who once was a man, a pig-keeper cursed to change form after a fierce quarrel.

His rival, now reborn as Finnbhennach, the White-horned Bull, awaited him.

When Queen Medb, fierce and proud, sought to own him, she stirred all of Ireland to war in what is known as the Cattle Raid of Cooley.

29. The Bodach

Although similar to the boogeyman in appearance, the Bodach is one of a number of Celtic mythological creatures who, according to legend, was completely harmless.

Some tales describe the Bodach as a Celtic creature that plays tricks on kids.

Others, in Scottish folklore, say he used to capture bold children (a story used to scare kids into behaving).

30. Leanan sídhe

Over the years, I’ve heard many different tales about Leanan sídhe. The one that appears the most describes the fairy Leanan sídhe as a beautiful woman.

The Leanan sídhe was known to spark up relationships with humans.

However, not long after falling in love with the Leanan Sí, its lovers passed away.

The interesting bit to this story is that the lovers of Leanan sídhe were said to have lived ‘inspired’ lives. Sounds a little bit like the story of Tir Na Nog, right?!

Explore beyond the Celtic mythology creatures

Now that you have a good sense of the Irish folklore creatures, it’s time to read on.

Here are some guides you should find interesting:

• Celtic Gods and Goddesses
• Celtic symbols and their meanings
• The tales of Cú Chulainn
• The legend of Fionn McCumhaill
• Irish traditions and Irish culture

Have any Irish monsters that you think we should add? Comment below!