Whether you’re planning to visit Ireland with kids or simply want to immerse your family in Irish culture and history from home, this list of Children’s Books About Ireland offers a wealth of captivating and inspiring reads that I’ve enjoyed sharing with my girls. Some of these books I discovered in local bookshops while visiting Ireland, while others were purchased online to read before exploring the Emerald Isle.
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Must-Read Children’s Books About Ireland You’ll Absolutely Love
Inspired by our recent trip to Ireland
Reading is my second favorite way to explore the world virtually. Sometimes, it’s the books themselves that spark my desire to visit new places, and other times, a destination calls me to dive deeper into its local culture and history through the pages of a book. With Ireland, it was a beautiful blend of both.
Our enchanting trip to Ireland With kids became one of our most cherished family adventures. What began as a way to fuel my children’s wanderlust before the journey at our creative playroom soon turned into my own fascination with Ireland’s rich culture and history. I found myself captivated by the ancient Irish traditions, Celtic heritage, and, of course, the myths and legends that make this land so magical.
In this collection of children’s books about Ireland, you’ll find a carefully curated selection from Irish authors and illustrators who have inspired me. I hope you’ll find your own favorites among them, and maybe even feel inspired to explore this magical island for yourself!
Books About Ireland for Kids
Since my early childhood, I’ve always had a deep passion for exploring different cultures through their mythologies and folklore. There’s something so captivating about the timeless stories that have been passed down through generations. One of our all-time favorite bedtime reads is This Myth Atlas, which features a particularly intriguing section dedicated to the gods, heroes, and myths of Ireland. It’s turned out to be one of the best bookish investments I’ve made for our creative playroom, sparking countless hours of imaginative exploration.
Irish folklore, rich and vibrant, is filled with captivating fairytales, ancient legends, and mystical creatures, all woven into the fabric of the country’s cultural identity. Every children’s book I’ve read about Ireland has been a delightful journey into this magical world. From heroic tales of bravery to whimsical stories of enchantment, these books are not only entertaining but also offer a window into Ireland’s deeply rooted traditions and timeless wisdom.
What makes these stories so special is how they seamlessly blend magic, adventure, and life lessons. Whether it’s a young hero embarking on a journey to find their destiny or a mythical creature teaching us about the natural world, each tale is infused with wonder and insight. These books have a way of captivating both children and adults alike, making them perfect for shared reading moments that spark curiosity, creativity, and cultural exploration.
Ireland: The People, The Places, The Stories, The Craic by Rachel Pierce
Before planning a trip to Ireland, I purchased Ireland: The People, The Places, The Stories, The Craic to explain to the little ones more about the Irish culture and the places we were about to see in person. This book is so unique: it features Ireland’s famous people, landmarks, myths & legends, battles, music, and everything in between. Additionally, it showcases the talent of ten of Ireland’s top illustrators.
The Great Irish History Book by Myles Dungan
The Great Irish History Book by Myles Dungan is another great pick from the Irish books for older kids (8-12 y.o.). This read is such an immersive historical trip. The reader will travel back in time to visit the ancient Celts, sail away on a famine ship, join the 1916 rebels in the GPO, and discover all the great leaders, thinkers, and fighters of Ireland.
Mythical Irish Beasts by Mark Joyce
Kids always get beyond excited to learn more about mysterious creatures and monsters. Mark Joyce created a whole series of books dedicated to Irish folklore – Mythical Irish Beasts, Mythical Irish Wonders, and Mythical Irish Places. With these Irish children’s books, you can undertake a magical journey around the country.
Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore by W. B. Yeats
Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore by W. B. Yeats is an absolute must-have for all the aficionados of Irish books worldwide. It is a classic collection of Irish fairytales, created by Nobel Peace Prize-winning author and poet W. B. Yeats. Originally published as two separate volumes in the 1800s, this premier collection of Irish stories was edited and compiled by W. B. Yeats. This book makes a perfect gift for any lover of Irish literature and folklore.
Dare to Dream: Irish People Who Took on the World by Sarah Webb
Dare to Dream: Irish People Who Took on the World is another inspiring Irish read for all ages. In this book, one will discover a world of courage, bravery, and adventure through the personal stories of explorers, inventors, and dreamers…. Irish people have had a huge impact internationally. The book celebrates the achievements of the Irish and sends a message that nothing is impossible.
Written and illustrated by Irish creators, Bedtime Stories showcases a curated collection of tales from Irish history, based on important figures and events. Each story is the ideal length to read at bedtime as well as any moment when young readers are looking for an inspirational read!
Go on a journey around the spectacular isle, cramming in facts about Ireland’s famous people, landmarks, myths & legends, battles, music and everything in between. From Donegal to Cork via the Giant’s Causeway and Tayto Park, discover everything about the Irish isle that makes it so special.
A charming, playful picture book tale about how the rivalry between an Irish giant and a Scottish giant lead to the creation of the world-famous Giant's Causeway. Inspired by Celtic folklore, best-selling Scottish children's author and storyteller Lari Don weaves a tall tale of rivalry and foolishness that recounts the origins of Northern Ireland's world-famous Giant's Causeway.
Island of Adventures: Fun things to do all around Ireland by Jennifer Farley
Island of Adventures: Fun things to do all around Ireland by Jennifer Farley is a great book to sell Ireland as the top travel destination for the little ones. It focuses on all the adventures across the country: surfing an Atlantic wave, horse-trekking through the wilderness, dancing to Irish music, whale watching, seeing the Northern Lights… So, it’s one of the most inspirational books about Ireland for the whole family.
The Children of Lir by Laura Ruth Maher
The Children of Lir by Laura Ruth Maher is one of Ireland´s top legends told through magical illustrations. It shares the story of The Children of Lir, who were turned into swans by their wicked stepmother and forced to wander across Ireland for 900 years.
Bedtime Stories: Incredible Irish Tales from the Past by Rachel Pierce
The Tall Tale of the Giant’s Causeway by Lari Don
The Tall Tale of the Giant’s Causeway – I bought this beautiful book for my kids in Belfast, Northern Ireland (right after visiting the Giant’s Causeway). The illustrations are charming and playful, and the legend describes how the rivalry between an Irish giant and a Scottish giant led to the creation of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway.
Celtic Tales: Fairy Tales and Stories of Enchantment by Kate Forrester
This beautifully illustrated book, Celtic Tales: Fairy Tales and Stories of Enchantment, offers a magical journey through Ireland’s rich folklore. With stories of fairies, magical creatures, and ancient heroes, Celtic Tales is such a cute introduction to Irish mythology for the little ones. Each tale is filled with adventure, mystery, and enchantment, making it a timeless addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Saint Brigid & Other Amazing Irish Women by Lorraine Mulholland
As a mom of two girls, I’m always on the lookout for books featuring inspiring female heroes to set strong role models for them. St. Brigid & Other Amazing Irish Women focuses on St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, and is filled with captivating stories of female empowerment. Through these tales, children will learn about the strength, wisdom, and courage of remarkable women who helped shape Ireland’s history. It’s a beautiful blend of history and inspiration, offering young readers the chance to discover the powerful women who came before us.
Good Night Ireland by Adam Gamble
Good Night Ireland is a charming bedtime read for preschool-aged kids (I only wish we had discovered it earlier!). The book takes children on a journey across the Irish landscape, from the Cliffs of Moher to Dublin’s iconic landmarks. With beautiful illustrations and soothing rhymes, it’s a delightful way to explore the magic of Ireland while winding down for the night. It’s the perfect book for young readers to dream of Ireland’s beauty and enchantment.
How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace
How to Catch a Leprechaun is one of the top bestsellers among children’s books about Ireland, especially for preschool readers. This fun and imaginative tale follows a child’s playful attempt to catch a mischievous leprechaun. Filled with humor and adventure, How to Catch a Leprechaun is a lighthearted story that introduces young readers to one of Ireland’s most famous mythical creatures, while having lots of fun.
Fiona’s Luck by Teresa Bateman
Set in a mythical Ireland, Fiona’s Luck is the story of a clever young girl who outsmarts the leprechauns to bring back the lost luck of the Irish. I absolutely love the illustrations – they capture such a mystical Irish vibe. With themes of bravery, cleverness, and the power of wit, this beautifully written story is a wonderful way to introduce kids to Irish folklore and teach the importance of using intelligence to solve problems.
Lorraine Mulholland has penned an encyclopedia of Irish women from all walks of life who made a place for themselves in the annals of history as saints, scholars, healers and more! Staying true to the original stories as much as mythic and folkloric influences would allow, Lorraine aims the tales at young readers interested in learning about Old Ireland and its female heroes.
This is a beautifully illustrated collection of traditional Irish legends for children. It includes the stories of ‘The Children of Lir,’ ‘Deirdre of the Sorrows,’ ‘Setanta,’ ‘The Salmon of Knowledge,’ ‘Fionn and the Dragon,’ and ‘Oisin in Tir na n-Og.’
Tim O’Toole and his wife, Kathleen, are so poor they have not a penny or a potato between them. Even their cats are too skinny for the mice to chase! When Tim goes out to find a job, he stumbles upon “the wee folk” – a band of leprechauns who give him gifts to make his fortune. That is, if Tim can keep clear of the evil McGoon family.
The Big Book of Favourite Irish Myths and Legends by Joe Potter
This unique collection of Irish Myths and Legends by Joe Potter features a wide range of Ireland’s most beloved myths, from the adventures of Cú Chulainn to the tales of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Richly illustrated and easy to follow, it’s a fantastic resource for introducing children to the iconic figures and stories of Irish mythology in a captivating way.
Irish Legends for Children (Mini-Edition) by Yvonne Carroll
If you’re looking for a cute Irish children’s book to bring on the road that won’t take up too much space, Irish Legends for Children (Mini-Edition) is a great option. This condensed version of Ireland’s best-loved legends features short, engaging tales filled with colorful illustrations, making it perfect for bedtime stories on the go.
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie dePaola
One of the most popular Irish stories for kids is Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato. This humorous and heartwarming tale follows Jamie O’Rourke, a lazy farmer who is granted a magical potato that grows to an enormous size. With its vibrant illustrations and lighthearted humor, Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato is a fun introduction to Irish storytelling for younger children, full of wit, charm, and valuable lessons about hard work and generosity.
Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk by Gerald McDermott
Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk by Gerald McDermott is a fun Irish folktale about the legendary “wee folk” (leprechauns and fairies) of the Emerald Isle. The story follows Tim O’Toole, a poor but clever man who outsmarts a group of mischievous little creatures and earns his fortune. With its playful narrative, this book is a perfect blend of Irish folklore and fun.
Coloring books about Ireland
Before visiting Ireland, I had no idea there were so many stunning Irish coloring books, especially those featuring Celtic symbols. Most of the coloring books I came across were designed for adults, but I thought my kids would enjoy painting alongside me, to the best of their abilities. While in Kilkenny, I bought the Color Your Own Book of Kells, and we all absolutely loved it. It was such a fun and creative way to connect with Irish culture, and we enjoyed spending time together coloring the intricate designs.
There are many more awe-inspiring coloring books about Ireland, such as The Ireland Colouring Book: Past and Present, Colour my Ireland, Ancient Ireland Colouring Book, Celtic Adult Coloring Book, Celtic Myth & Symbol: A Coloring Book of Celtic Art and Mandalas, Creative Haven Celtic Fantasy Coloring Book, and My Colorful Travels – IRELAND: A Coloring Book Adventure.
For all book enthusiasts, come explore my new TikTok account dedicated to all things reading and literature: @1001_books_club. Let’s share the magic of stories together!
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I am loving your book recommendations and have added them to my TBR list. Ireland is a bucket list trip so these books will be great to keep help keep that dream alive!
The Library of Trinity College Dublin will absolutely be on the list to visit if we make it!
Never bothered to visit the library at Trinity college on my last trip. But definitely want to visit it next time. The book about folklore and fairytales sounds like it would be a really cool read.
What a great list – I LOVE reading about places I have travelled to or about to go to. I also enjoyed What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon set in Ireland!
Wow! This list far exceeded my expectations! Great work.
I don’t typically buy books when traveling because I tend to pack light and books are heavy and take up space, BUT I do love to visit book stores and libraries while I travel. I’ll often find books to add to my TBR list or spend quiet, slow-down mornings with my kindle cozied up in libraries.
I hope that someday you do get to go back and take on some of those awesome tours you mentioned!
I love this. I want to start reading more and having booking about a place I am headed to is perfect.
A great collection of books about Ireland! These recommendations provide an excellent way to explore Irish history, culture, and landscapes through literature.
Thanks, John! Ireland is such a culturally rich destination that you could explore it through books for the rest of your life
I am not planning a trip to Ireland right now but I love reading so I´m sure all of these books will inspire me to visit Ireland ASAP!
I definitely will be adding all of these books to my cart! I appreciate the comprehensive list. ❤️