An interesting collection of Irish ghost and witch tales with the background to each is found between the covers of this book.

Ireland is the land of tales of ghosts and witches. Tales that have been passed down through many years, based on ancient pagan practices, mixed with Christian beliefs, the results are colourful and scary.

Even though a person is dead and buried, there can still be a tale related to its life after death. Perhaps there was an outstanding debt, or the person just wanted to revisit a world it is no longer part of. Death isn’t the end — it is just another world from which the dead could watch over their descendants in a caring manner, or those who may have wronged them.

The book is divided in two sections, ghosts and spirits; witches and warlocks. The tales come from different counties, each with its own personality. Many spirits are linked to particular sites — villages, castles, landmarks and the like. Included in the telling is the background or history of the tale. This adds another dimension to the telling.

If you’re interested in Ireland and some of its tales, this is a good read. Having the backstory to the tale makes it just that more interesting. ( )

Stories of ghosts, wizards, and witches in Ireland. Some of them I'd heard before, especially in the witch category, such as Bridget Cleary and Biddy Early. It's an absolutely beautiful book--the photos are simply amazing. ( )