Irish

The Mythological Cycle

Also known as The Book of Invasions this cycle covers the mythological history of Ireland, with special emphasis on the Tuatha de Danaan.

Online Resources

The Ulster Cycle

The Ulster Cycle is a series of stories centered around the reign of Conchobhor mac Nessa, King of Ulster.

Táin Bó Cúalnge

The Táin, or The Cattle Raid of Cooley, is the most famous part of the Ulster Cycle, and possibly the most famous piece of Irish literature before the nineteenth century.

Online Recources

The Fenian Cycle

Although the tales relate to events of the third century, it is not clear when these tales were written. It seems, however, that the earliest were written not much later than the Ulster cycle, but were continually added to until the mid-eighteenth century. The tales centre around Finn mac Cumhal and his war band, the Fenians.

Online Resources

The Historical Cycle

This Cycle covers a number of kings of Ireland such as Brian Boru as well a mish-mash of other tales, such as the Voyage of Bran.

Online Resource


Copyright Conrad Leviston (2000)