Ghosts in Irish Houses: A Collection of Ghostly Folk Tales

by James Reynolds

Born in Ireland at the end of the nineteenth century, James Reynolds was a talented painter, expert horseman, and the author of Paddy Finucane: A Memoir; A World of Horses; Ghosts in American Houses; and many other books. One of his best works is this lively compilation of Irish ghost stories that reflects the rich Celtic imagination. Drawn from his personal collection of over 200 tales—ranging from the tenth to the twentieth centuries—these twenty-two yarns are a mix of the eerie, the terrifying, and the madly comic.  
In "The Bloody Stones of Kerrigan's Keep," vengeful spirits from a centuries-old massacre terrorize all who come close to their fortress grave. In "The Headless Rider of Castle Sheela," the ghost of a beheaded horseman continues to haunt his castle every Christmas day. You'll meet the demonic harpies of  "The Ghostly Catch," the giddy spirits of the fashionable O'Haggerty twins, and the gluttonous ghost of Jason Bannott. Other tales include "The Weeping Wall," "The Bridal Barge of Aran Roe," "Mrs. O’Moyne and the Fatal Slap," and more. Enhanced by Reynolds' illustrations of Irish houses and their residents—both ghostly and human—this anthology is a treasure to savor. Introduction by Irish author Padraic Colum. 

Genres: Short Stories, Ireland, Irish Literature, Horror, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1968

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

On three counts, James Reynolds's Ghosts in Irish Houses: A Collection of Ghostly Folk Tales makes for a fascinating read: (1) The lilting Irish language as used by Reynolds is fascinating (the book could use a glossary, but that is a mere quibble); (2) the book is organized by the houses associated with ghost incidents, scattered throughout Ireland; and (3) the book is as much a work of folklore as it is of horror. In fact, only a few of the stories are ghastly, and some of them are actually light-hearted.

Ghosts in Irish Houses sports an interesting introduction by Padraic Colum, in which he writes:

In his painting of horses and his writing about horses, James Reynolds is able to communicate the excitement he receives from these nervous creatures. And the quality that is in his accounts of ghosts and houses is the rare quality of excitement. The writing is in the period and has the character of vigorous men and women who move through the great rooms, ride along the avenues, appear in the windows of their rocking coaches. This is a book which brings over to us, even in its legendary content, an authentic Ireland, an Ireland that exists in the memory of the people.

[Damien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stories are well written but they are all made up by the author which is a bit annoying. The author speaks of places and people in Ireland that never existed which is annoying when trying to carry out research into irish folklore. Hans Holzer an American paranormal investigator unfortunately used this book as a guide to visit Ireland in the 1960s to carry out research. Needless to say alot of the places he could not find as they never existed. Book was disappointing.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written and interesting collection of Stories about hauntings in Irish dwellings. The collection was done personally over a lifetime by the author James Reynolds. Almost good enough for a straight through read and includes the history of why there are so many ghosts in Ireland.

[Kathy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book. Narrative style insists you slow down, sit back, have a cup of tea. History, architecture, and folklore all rolled up into a literary confection. Loved it.

[Kieran Fanning · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book really frustrated me. It is well-written and the stories are good but the author claims to have collected them from all over Ireland. They are written as if based on historical events but the whole book is made up and fake. Dishonest and misleading.

[Athena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a weird book. More like 2 1/2 stars. I obviously didn't enjoy it as much as many of the other readers. There are some highlights, though. My favorite story is about a birthday party that could have come straight from Game of Thrones. It goes about like this:

"Hey, hated enemy. I know you slaughtered my warrior queen mother and her army back in the day, but while you're travelling through town, do you want to spend the weekend at my house?"
"Sure, guy who has probably gotten over me killing his mom. Thank you for your hospitality."
"No problem. And since you're here, please help us celebrate my oldest son's birthday."
"That was a great party, but I'm really old and I need to go to bed now. Also, my men are wondering why you wouldn't let them bring their swords into the party."
"No reason. But before you go to bed--" STAB STAB STAB
"Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal! Agh!"
"Well that was fun. This one's for you, Ma. Oops the neighbors are coming. Better hide all these bodies under the floor. I'm sure they won't haunt the castle and kill everyone who disturbs their resting place. Happy birthday, Junior!"

There's more to my review on my blog http://notmytypee.blogspot.com/2015/1...

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The American/aIrish author obviously loved Ireland and revered the storytelling tradition historically so strong in that country. Well-written in the 30's - thankfully these stories were collected in time, before they were lost to time and the changing culture. Author also has a 2nd book of Irish ghost stories. I'm planning an itinerary for my next trip based on his books!

[Edwina Book Anaconda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spooky collection of ghost stories.
I enjoyed reading this.