Marion McGarry

RTÉ Brainstorm

Dr Marion McGarry is an art historian, author, independent researcher and lecturer at the Atlantic Technological University

Do you believe in the banshee?

The common belief was the banshee was a ghostly female messenger of death who would let out a sorrowful wail in an unearthly voice

From the Biddy boys and Brat Bríde to holy wells and Brigid's crosses, February 1st was marked with great gusto in old Ireland

There are many Irish folk rituals associated with January 6th, the last day of Christmas and the day known as Nollaig na mBan

When it came to weather forecasts and predictions, Irish folklore could give Met Éireann a run for their money

Here are seven snapshots of how Christmas used to be marked in Ireland

Christmas carols like the Wexford Carol can be a conduit for joy and celebration in the darkest of times

From the Christmas box to An Margadh Mór, here are some memorable Irish Christmas traditions from years past

In 1980s Ireland, the festive season was heralded by the daily arrival of Christmas cards, not decorations

Blood sacrifices involving pigs, sheep or geese were practiced in Ireland well into living memory on Martinmas

Mermaids are a feature of several tragic Irish folk tales and have been a source of inspiration for many writers and poets