Finn McCool

Finn McCool, was a legendary Ulster chieftain who it's said could pull thorns from his feet while running. Commander of the King of Irelands warriors his feats of strength new no bounds. Two of his more known feats consisted of building the Giants Causeway as in County Antrim so that he could visit his Scottish girlfriend. Scotland again comes to the fore when the creation of The Isle of Man and Lough Neagh is mentioned. During a fight with a Scottish Giant Finn lifted a sod of earth from the center of Ulster to throw at the Scottish giant but missed. Where the sod landed is now the Isle of Man and where he took the sod from, well the hole filled with water and is now Lough Neagh.

The Red Hand

The Legend of the Red Hand of Ulster (used in the present day flag of N.Ireland and the ancient Irish province of Ulster) comes from 'Eremon son of Golamh Mile Espain' .His father told he and his brothers that the first person to lay their hand on Ulster could claim the land as their own. Nearing the end of the race he realised that he was tiring and was in danger of losing the race so he promptly cut of his hand and threw it onto the shore. Thus claiming the land for himself before any of his brothers reached the land of Ulster.

Cu Chulainn

Cu Chulainn was probably the most famous of Ulster's Warriors. Many tales have been written about Cu Chulainn a lot of which appear in 'The Ulster Cycle'. A collection of Irish tales based in Ulster and tell the story of battles with the other Irish counties. Said to be half God, Cu proved himself as a warrior from an early age. One tale tells of when still young the King of Ulster at the time 'Conchobar' and his men were being held prisoner on the battlefield 'Cu' with the aid of his favorite weapon went onto the battlefield and freed them single handidly..

Leprecauns & Fairies

Irish mythology is rich with tales of the little people. Once the fairies were so feared that is was forbidden to use the word fairy at all. The 'Book of Armagh' they are the old Gods of the earth once worshipped by pagans throughout Ireland. Other sources claim they were once angels thrown out of heaven but while they were not good enough to be saved they were not evil enough to be sent to hell. Maybe this is why they are said to be easily offended and quick to anger, being jealous of the special relationship between God and Mankind. Perhaps the most common of all Irish fairies is the leprechaun. Banker of the underworld he is said to be more than thrifty with his money, keeping in his purse a silver and gold coin. The silver one returns to his purse when he parts with it while the gold coin is used for bribery and turns into a leaf when parted with. Though if you ever catch a leprechaun he will grant you three wishes and if you ever find his pot of gold, well keep it. Though remember, the leprechaun is quick and will cover his gold again if you move. Try Him.

"Top O' The Mornin' to You"