Irish Folk Ways

by E. Estyn Evans

This engrossing and charming work by a noted scholar, widely regarded as a classic in its field, explores the vital Irish past, noting the diversity of folk customs and traditional activities in rural Ireland, from early Celtic migrations through centuries of English and Scottish influence, up to the sudden appearance of mechanization.
Readers will find here a wealth of observations on country ways and the essentials of Irish life, among them how to thatch a roof, churn butter, cultivate and harvest crops, make pots and pans, build furniture and fences, fish and navigate streams, and much more. Also described are a host of customs associated with weddings, wakes, festivals, funerals, and other aspects of Irish country life.
Of this book, the Times Literary Supplement of London said, "For all its learning, [the] book is popular in the best way, and admirably illustrated by [the author’s] own drawings as well as by photographs." Over 400 illustrations enhance a text that will not only be of immense value to students of archaeology and folklore but will also appeal to general readers because of its readable style and accessibility.

Genres: Ireland, History, Research, Paganism, Nonfiction, Irish Literature

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1967

Reviews

[Amanda B · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed look at everyday life in pre-famine Ireland, everything from butter churns to fishing lures, marriage customs to peat-cutting methods. Highly recommended not just for fans of Irish history but for writers interested in world-building--this is a great overview of a specific system, how it evolved, and how everything worked together. I guarantee it will make you question the mechanics of your created fantasy world and desire to improve it and make it feel more probable/functional.

[Anthony Buckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary tour de force. Old fashioned certainly, in that it adopts a survivalist, even Darwinian approach, but a classic study based on a deep understanding of the Irish countryside and people.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was probably reading this for at least a year. It’s not really a book you read all in one go. It’s also not something I’d necessarily recommend unless you have a particular interest in the topic for a specific reason. If you’re just casually interested, I think you will be overwhelmed by the level of detail this goes into describing things like farming and fishing tools and similar topics like that haha. But if you’re using the book for research, it’s very useful.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on the customs and beliefs of the past.