Marion McGarry

RTÉ Brainstorm

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

The superstitions and mysteries around Ireland's 'fairy forts'

In the recent past in rural Ireland, many ringforts were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings

For our ancestors, Ash Wednesday marked the start of 40 days of fasting, penitence and denial

March 17th was always a day for special rites and rituals throughout the country.

The day before Lent began may have involved feasting and food, but it certainly wasn't a good day for single people

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

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

From harvest and pilgrimage to legend and lore about púca and the weather, Michaelmas used to be an important day in the Irish calendar

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