Roots
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The Churchyard Bride is a very interesting Irish legend connected with Errigal graveyard in Co. Monaghan The Errigal graveyard is said to be haunted by an amorous spirit which appears occasionally to young people whose relatives were buried here; and its appearance always signalled death to those who had the misfortune to encounter it
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Halloween was invented by the Irish. It is based on the feast of Samhain (sow-in) the Celtic day when the spirit world and the real world intermingle
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Leap Castle in Offaly is the most haunted place in Ireland
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The headless horseman lives! It is said that after sunset, on certain festivals and feast days, one of the most terrifying creatures in the spirit world, the Dullahan, can be seen riding a magnificent black stallion across the Irish countryside
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Seventh sons of seventh sons are said to have magical powers in Ireland. If you are born the seventh son of a seventh son they will place often a worm in your hand. If the worm dies you have the magical healing powers
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Turn back in Ireland if you see a red-headed woman. Fisherman in many areas will not go fishing if they meet a red-headed woman on the way to their boat. It is said to be a sign of very bad luck
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Never cut down a fairy tree, like this one at Tara in Ireland. Trees in certain areas are known as fairy trees where the little people are said to reside. If you cut it down it is bad luck forever
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Irish mothers had to guard their children from the fairies. If a child was left unattended the fairies would take it and leave a changeling behind
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There are jumping churches in Ireland. In several parts of the country there are churches, like this one in Ardee, County Louth, that locals swear "jumped" and moved overnight
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Bram Stoker who invented Dracula was Dublin-born and heavily influenced by the old superstitions and ghost stories he heard
How Irish is Halloween? Take a look at our top 10 reasons and you'll know for sure. ;
Published
October 27, 2009
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