Fairy trees are dotted all over the Irish Countryside. They areeasy to spot as they will be alone in a field. Once you know how to recognise a fairy tree, you’ll be spotting them everywhere you go in Ireland! During ancient times in Ireland, there was a thing known as fairy faith, which was the belief in all things fairies. It all started when the Milesians took part in a mythical race in the 11 th century which saw them arriving in Ireland.

We’re on a quest to find the mystical fairy trees in Ireland where any want or wish can come true. But be warned – Fairy magic is powerful stuff. We’ll show you where to find the Fairy Trees, because they are fascinating and fun, but you must promise to never take their power lightly. In fact, “fairies” is not even the name these mischievous sprites prefer to be called. It’s “wee folks” to you and I. The concept behind these fairy doors is that they serve as portals for the fairies to travel between their hidden world and ours. It is believed that by placing these doors, humans can establish a connection with the fairy realm and offer a welcoming entry point for these mystical beings. One of the key characteristics of Irish fairies is their association with the natural world. They are often thought to dwell in sacred places such as ancient mounds, hills, and fairy trees. These locations are believed to be portals to the fairy realm, where these ethereal beings conduct their affairs. Fairy was used to represent: an illusion or enchantment; the land of the Faes; collectively the inhabitants thereof; an individual such as a fairy knight. [3] Faie became Modern English fay, while faierie became fairy, but this spelling almost exclusively refers to one individual (the same meaning as fay). In the sense of 'land where fairies dwell', archaic spellings faery and faerie are still in use. The native Tuatha de Danann became known as the Sidhe, thefairy folk who lived underground among the trees and bushes. Dagda was a key member of the Tuatha de Danann – It is thought that the Sidhe, or fairy folk descended from this tribeIn Celtic Ireland, fairies are believed to have descended from the ancient race of supernatural deities, the Tuatha de Danann. Our fully comprehensive article on the Tuatha de Danann describes its most powerful members. The Tuatha de Danann were conquered by the mortal tribe known as the Milesians. After the battle, the Milesians remained above ground while the Tuatha de Danann retreated underground through borrows, hills and burial grounds called ‘Sidhe’. There are hundreds of ‘fairy forts” still found in Ireland today. Many of the forts have not been disturbed due to the superstitions that are associated with them. The main myth is that you don’t want to touch the home of the fairies as they might take revenge on you. Fairy fort superstitions – Grianan of Aileach Ring Fort, Donegal, Ireland. Fairy trails have gained popularity in recent years, not only as a means of exploring the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle but also as a way to immerse oneself in the captivating world of Irish folklore and mythology. The Significance of Fairy Trails

When the Gaels arrived in Ireland in the 11th century, they defeated the Tuatha Dé Danann, forcing them to retreat underground. Here, they became known as the Sidhe, or faeries, of the other world. It is also said that the fairies are the greatest protector of Irish archaeology, which is another reason why farmers refuse to remove them. Even if you don’t believe in the mythology, it is impossible to deny that the fae folk are a symbol of ancient Irish history.Irish Mythology is split into four different cycles with the Mythological Cycle describing how faeries (Sidhe) moved to the other-world. When the Milesians or Gaels arrived in Ireland they took up a dispute with the Tuatha Dé Danann, children of the Goddess Danu. The Tuatha Dé Danann retired underground and became known as the fairy people, sidhe, or the wee folk. We also cover the origin of the Tuatha de Danann, their most magical treasures, their greatest stories and finally, the ultimate fate of the tribe of Danu. I don’t know what he’s really after, but I know he don’t care what I think. I know enough now to play along, so I do; no sense proving I know he ain’t right inside. I say, “You seem like a decent man,” like I’m reading Mary for the nativity play, “you just treat my sister right, you hear?” Fairy trees in Ireland are special and full of wonder, but they are not the only trees that have an interesting folklore. The Celts recognised the importance of trees to their survival, so much so that the tree of life became a common Celtic symbol. Visiting these while you are here will hopefully be a rewarding experience, as they are unique to Ireland. Decoration of Fairy Trees in Ireland Another important tree in Irish folklore is the Celtic Tree of Life. When the Celts used to clear vast fields for settlement purposes, they would leave one tree standing alone in the centre of the field as they respected the role trees played in life and nature. Hundreds of years later, the origin of these trees would be speculated to be the property of the fairy folk.

Often adorned with colourful paint, tiny knobs, and intricate carvings, fairy doors are a delightful expression of creativity and imagination. They symbolize the belief in the coexistence of the human and fairy worlds, fostering a sense of wonder and enchantment in those who encounter them. Doon Hill is the home of the fairies. It is also the final resting place of a local minister, Robert Kirk, who lived in Aberfoyle in the 17th century. The minister would hold service and explain the virtues of God as well as describing the secret lives of the fairies. Robert Kirk believed that Doon Hill was enchanted with fairies living among the local population. Such was Kirk’s commitment and belief in the fairies he published a book called The Secret Commonwealth where he describes Doon Hill as being the gateway to the land of the fairies. After many generations, the Celtic Gods and Goddesses of ancient Ireland were now known as the ‘Sidhe’, ‘People of the Sidhe’ or ‘Aos sí’ and became the fairly folk we know today. Ireland’s Most Prominent Gods: Tuatha de Danann, Ancestors of the fairies. Types of Fairies Aos Sí The Tree of Life represented the interconnectivity of everything in nature and the connection of our world with the Otherworld. The Otherworld was a supernatural place which belonged to deities and the dead. They’re banging and hollering at the floor, bunch of menfolk all angry at the hysterical girl making their jobs harder. I say goodbye to the only parents I’ve ever known, even pray like they’d want, then I open the trapdoor and lower the stairs and come down, and I go to my room. Beanpole wants to have words with me, but it ain’t his place. He ain’t my sister, and he ain’t my parents.In addition to their folkloric origins, fairies were a common feature of Renaissance literature and Romantic art, and were especially popular in the United Kingdom during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. The Celtic Revival also saw fairies established as a canonical part of Celtic cultural heritage. I was little when Mamaw told me I weren’t the real Marianne, but only she knew. My Momma and Pa loved me like I was her, and it hurts to remember, but it makes me feel human as Sister, rememberin’, and I don’t want to forget.