Ireland's Birds: Myths, Legends and Folklore

Birds have been important symbols in our art and culture for thousands of years. They feature strongly in Irish myths and legends, have inspired poets and painters, and feature in many place names. The latest book by Niall Mac Coitir draws together the stories and customs and folklore that have gathered around Ireland's birds, both wild and domestic.Birds are arranged in seasonal order based on their seasonal and migratory habits (the cuckoo and summer) or on their cultural associations (the robin with Christmas, the wren with St Stephen's Day). This challenges us to look at birds in a different way, as dynamic creatures that have influenced our society over the millennia. Written with imagination and enthusiasm, this mix of natural history, mythology and folklore will entertain and enlighten all interested in the birds of Ireland.