A vibrant collection of local tales hand down through generations of storytellers. Named after the peoples of Ciarraige who inhabited the ancient territory, Kerry possesses a rich tapestry of history, legend, and folklore unparalleled to many others. In this book, authors Gary Branigan and Luke Eastwood narrate a variety of myths and legends that will take you on a journey through Kerry's past. Many of the stories have been handed down from generation to generation by local people and reveal old customs and beliefs filled with superstition, while others are more modern, showing the continuance of the Irish traditions of the seanachaí and of Irish storytelling.

Reviews

The phantom city of Kilstoheen, or Cill Stuithín, lies under the Shannon waves between Ballybunion and Ballylongford. Ruled over by a powerful chieftain, it is said to be a wondrous place of white quartz buildings, towers and churches paved with marble where enchanted horses may be seen grazing on moonlit nights on riverbanks. The chieftain’s wizardry allows him to keep charms over the city so that it is always hidden, except once every seven years when it rises from the depths. This story of fabled spaces is recounted in Kerry Folk Tales (History Press Ireland, £12.99) jointly authored by Gary Branigan and Luke Eastwood, who explore myths and customs dealing with beliefs filled with superstition. The book embraces piseógaí such as "Children will grow no further if they put a spade or shovel on their shoulder inside the house", or "The last person to leave the church following a funeral would be the next one to die".
Paul Clements, The Irish TImes

Kerry Folk Tales, a new book on Kerry folklore and history that is set to be released this month, is full to the brim with interesting and quirky snippets that should delight students of history here in Kerry. Authored by Gary Branigan and Luke Eastwood, the book also covers as much of the history of Kerry that the authors could dig up - from pre-Norman times, the Geraldines, the famine, the civil war and right up to things such as Charlie Chaplin coming to Waterville.
The Kerryman

In this book, authors Gary Branigan and Luke Eastwood narrate a variety of myths and fables that will take you on a journey through Kerry’s past. Many of the stories have been handed down by local people from generation to generation, and reveal old customs and beliefs filled with superstition, while others are more modern, showing the continuance of the Irish traditions of the seanachaí and of Irish storytelling. theadvertiser.ie