More Chills from the Celtic Shadows: 5 Lesser-Known Irish Spooks and Spirits

If you've ever sat by a turf fire on a long, dark October night in Ireland, you've likely heard a few spine-tingling tales of spooks and spirits. The kind that make you glance over your shoulder, even though the door is bolted tight and the dog's asleep by your feet.

In a previous post, we took a spine-tingling stroll through some of Ireland's most famous and fearsome figures from folklore from the sinister Abhartach, Ireland's very own vampire, to the mischievous Puck, and the ghostly lady of Malahide Castle who still glides the halls in sorrow. 

We also met the terrifying Dullahan, the headless rider with a whip made from a human spine, the battle-hardened Morrigan, goddess of war and fate, and of course, the Banshee, whose mournful wail is said to foretell death. 

But Irish mythology is as deep as a fairy well, and there are many more shadowy spirits and curious creatures lurking in the stories of old. So today, we're diving deeper with a follow-up post to explore five more spooky beings that might just haunt your imagination.

Today, I want to share five lesser-known creatures from Irish folklore that'll give you goosebumps with a side of curiosity.

Because sure, isn't that half the fun of Irish tales? A little fear, a little wonder, and a whole lot of imagination.

Dearg-Due - Ireland's Blood-Drinking Beauty

Dearg-Due (pronounced darag-doo)

Move over, Dracula, we had vampires in Ireland before Bram Stoker ever put pen to paper (and funnily enough, he was Irish too).

The Dearg-Due, or "Red Bloodsucker," is said to be a beautiful woman who was wronged in life, mistreated by a cruel father and a loveless husband. 

Here's how to say it phonetically: Dearg-Due (pronounced darag-doo).

After dying of heartbreak, she rose from her grave not to haunt, but to feed. She lures men to her resting place near Waterford with her beauty, then drains them of blood.

Folklore tip: People still place heavy stones on certain graves to keep her down. A rock and a prayer, just to be safe.

Fear Gorta - The Hunger Ghost

The name Fear Gorta translates as Man of Hunger, and he's as eerie as he sounds. He appears during times of hardship and famine as a gaunt, skeletal man wandering the countryside, begging for food.

Here's how to say it phonetically: Fear Gorta (pronounced far gur-ta).

But here's the catch - he's no ordinary ghost. If you turn him away empty-handed, he might curse your household with bad luck or poor crops. If you feed him, even a crust, you might receive good fortune in return.

And the moral of the story is to always feed a hungry man, especially one with hollow cheeks and otherworldly eyes.

Sluagh - The Restless Dead or Unrepentant Spirits

Now here's a creepy one. The Sluagh are the spirits of those who died unrepentant, wandering souls so wicked even heaven and hell won't have them.

Here's how to say it phonetically: Sluagh (pronounced slew-ah).

They travel in flocks like dark birds across the night sky, seeking out the souls of the dying to steal them away. Folks would close the windows on the west side of the house, the direction the Sluagh were said to come from, to stop them from sneaking in.

Word to the wise - if someone in the house is nearing death, you'd best keep the west-facing windows latched.

Leannán Sidhe - The Fatal Muse

Ah, the Leannán Sidhe - beautiful, tragic, and utterly bewitching. She's one of the fairy folk, and if she chooses you as her lover, you're in for a wild ride. 

Here's how to say it phonetically: Leannán Sidhe (pronounced lan-awn shee).

You'll be inspired beyond belief with poetry, music, art, all pouring out of you like never before. But she drains your life force in return. Many artists blessed (or cursed) by her touch died young, brilliant and broken.

And our lesson learned from this malevolent, mythical fairy - inspiration is grand, but maybe say a quick prayer before falling for a fairy with glittering eyes and mysterious timing.

Cú Sidhe - The Fairy Hound

Lastly, let's talk about the Cú Sidhe or the fairy hound. Not your average pup, this is a massive, ghostly green dog said to roam the hills and misty moors of Ireland, loyal to the fae.

Here's how to say it phonetically: Cú Sidhe (pronounced coo shee).

He moves in complete silence, save for three terrifying howls. If you hear all three, it's a sign your time may be up. The Cú Sidhe is said to carry souls to the Otherworld.

A bit of advice - if you're walking the countryside and see a green dog staring your way, don't whistle. Just quietly turn around and walk on, respectfully.

The Otherworld Is Never Far in Ireland

In Ireland, we've always had a deep respect for the seen and unseen, for the stories that explain what we cannot. 

These spooky characters remind us of the old ways, the long nights, and the whispered tales passed from granny to grandchild.

They also remind us that magic lives in the shadows, and that a healthy dose of wonder is good for the soul.

Have you heard of any of these eerie beings? Or do you have your own favorite ghostly tale from the old country? 

I'd love to hear about it - pop your story in the comments below. We'll keep the light on and the kettle hot.

Until next time, thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.