Ireland's Wild Plants - Myths, Legends & Folklore

In ancient Ireland there were 365 different parts to the body, and a different plant to cure each part. So the wild plants of Ireland are bound up in our culture and folklore from the earliest times. To arry a four-leaved shamrock brings luck in gambling, while putting nine ivy leaves under her pillow means a girl will dream of her future husband. Here plants are described in seasonal order, a perspective dating back to our ancestors. Different aspects of plant folklore are examined following a brief history of traditional herbal medicine in Ireland. Included are their roles in magical protection, in charms and spells (especially for love!), as emblems in children's games, and in Irish place names.

Auteur

Niall Mac Coitir grew up in a bilingual environment and always had a great interest in Irish, Celtic history and folklore. After graduating from University College Dublin, he worked for Dublin County Council and now works with Fingal County Council. His interest in tree folklore and the Ogham alphabet led him to realise how little had been published on these related subjects. His published work is largely on matters of Celtic interest.