Ireland is an island nation on the westernmost edge of Europe, known for its wide expanses of lush, green fields. In fact, its nickname is the Emerald Isle. But there are also large areas of rugged, rocky landscape. Ireland is a nation of storytellers. The tradition dates back to Celtic bards, who would record and recite the country's history. Many famed writers come from Ireland, including several winners of the Nobel Prize for literature. St. Patrick’s Day—observed internationally every March 17—is packed with parades, good luck charms, and all things green. The event started as a religious holiday, but over time it’s become a celebration of Irish culture.​

Picture Books:

The Leprechaun Under the Bed by Teresa Bateman
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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro
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King Puck by Michael Garland
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Too Many Fairies: a Celtic Tale by Margaret Read MacDonald
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Fiona’s Lace by Patricia Polacco
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Folklore:

The King of Ireland’s Son by Brendan Behan
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Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife: a Giant Tale From Ireland by Robert Byrd
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Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk: an Irish Tale by Gerald McDermott
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Brave Margaret: an Irish Adventure by Robert San Souci
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Graphic Novels:

The King With a Horse’s Ears: an Irish Graphic Folktale by Gloria Koster
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The Pirate Queen: The Legend of Grace O’Malley by Tony Lee
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Further Reading:

Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa by Leslie Stall Widener
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A Pot o’ Gold: a Treasury of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore and (of course) Blarney by Kathleen Krull
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Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland, by Tomie DePaola
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Other Formats:

So Early in the Morning: Irish Children’s Songs Rhymes and Games by The Clancy Children
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Putumayo Kids Presents Celtic Dreamland (CD)
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The Secret of Kells (DVD, BLU-RAY)
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