I met Jody a few years ago while in Dublin. Her love of Ireland is evident in her website Ireland Family Vacations, but even more so when I talked to her in person. So who better to share a list of Ireland family favorite books than the expert herself?
If this list has you ready to book your family travels to Ireland, Jody offers great tips via her Ireland Vacation Coaching services. She also offers free Ireland inspiration on her website (where you can find links to all her social media outlets). More information is at the bottom of the post. Thank you, Jody, for your terrific insight.
My girls have been steeped in Ireland and the Irish culture since birth. Simple bedtime stories of pookas and faeries made way for The Children of Lir and Fin McCool as they grew older.
During our Ireland travels my girls have learned about local legends, famous people, and historical happenings. Well-told tales have resulted in us bringing home books which are read, re-read, and thoughtfully discussed.
Books about Ireland lie scattered around our house, always available for a quick read, or a more thorough session nestled in a comfy chair, hot cocoa and biscuits close at hand.
Check out these awesome #Ireland book recs from the expert! @irelandfamtrvl #familytravel Click To Tweet
Photo Credit: Ireland Family Vacations
Kids Travel Books About Ireland
From stories read aloud to books I now find on my daughters’ nightstands, these are a few of our favorite books about Ireland for kids.
Celebrate Ireland year round - Kids books about Ireland by @JodyHalsted #kidlit Click To TweetRead Aloud Books about Ireland
The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day – a fun twist on the Christmas classic. Can the kids catch a leprechaun? And if they do – then what???
Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk – A fun leprechaun tale.
Fiona’s Luck – Can Fiona outwit the Leprechaun King and restore Ireland’s luck?
The Ring of Truth – What happens when a man known for blarney must tell the truth?
O’Sullivan Stew – Can one girl save her entire village with a good story?
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato – One man, one leprechaun, one potato. And the woman who saves the day.
Fanciful Tales of Irish History
Molly O’Malley series – Join Molly as she befriends a leprechaun, meets faeries, and saves Ireland’s most famous Pirate Queen.
Molly O’Malley & the Leprechaun ● Rise of the Changeling ● Molly O’Malley & the Pirate Queen
Pirate Queen of Ireland – The most powerful pirate in Ireland was a woman! Join Grace on the high seas in this written-for-kids edition.
The ‘In a Nutshell’ series is a fabulous collection of Ireland’s best known stories. Read about the Children of Lir, who were turned to swans by an evil step-mother, the Story of St. Patrick, the legend of the Salmon of Knowledge, and many more.
Ancient Legends of Ireland –Lady Wilde, mother of famed playwright Oscar Wilde, shares stories of Ireland, written simply. Also worth checking out: Legends, Charms & Superstitions of Ireland and Irish Cures, Mystic Charms & Superstitions.
Irish Fairies – The ultimate guide to Irish fairies. My 9 year old absorbed this book. But just a note- most are not kind. Definitely for kids over 8.
Best Loved Irish Faerie Tales
Irish Legends for Children – beautifully illustrated stories, perfect for bedtime.
Great Irish Legends for Children – Six Irish tales of honor, bravery, and even treachery. This one has a glossary in the back for those Irish words you may not know.
A Pot O’ Gold: A Treasury of Irish Stories, Folklore, and (of course) Blarney – This book was created for families to enjoy together. A truly great anthology of Irish culture.
Folktales from the Irish Countryside – Remembered tales from the author’s childhood.
As you learn about Ireland’s rich heritage, culture, and history I hope you’ll find yourself wanting to know more- or even visit- this country of stories.
Thank you, Jody!
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Oooh, I want to dive into these myself! What a great collection–and list to help get kids ready for an Ireland trip no less!
I figure Jody knows what she’s talking about! 🙂
Thanks Shelly! Books are my second passion!
What a great list! I’ve not read a single recommendation (shameful!) but hope to change that pronto – especially given that my youngest will celebrate his 1st birthday on St Patrick’s Day! Now I know just what to get him for a present 🙂
I think it’s one of those addictive things, once you read one you’ll want to keep reading!
Books make such great gifts! Happy birthday to your St Paddy’s baby!
Ireland has always been a part of me. I’ve never been, but the music and folklore are very much a part of my growing up years. My husband and I just watched a lovely movie last night “Leap Year” which was filmed in Ireland – dreamy scenery.
These look like lovely reads and I’ve pinned it for the future when I have more time to browse. ^_^
Ah, Leap Year. Really great scenery… sadly I am the worst to watch it with as I spend more time telling people where the scenery actually is as opposed to where the film says it is. LOL
I also recently watched that movie. Love it. Hope you get a chance to check out a few books! 🙂
Such a great round up of books. My kids love the Jamie O’Rourke and Fiona’s Luck books. I look forward to checking out the rest! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I may have to give them a try.
There are so many terrific books! Another series I didn’t mention are the Kaylee O’Shea books – a series that has an Irish dance focus. Great for tweens!
There’s absolutely no way I would’ve been able to find out about all these great books. Thank you so much!
Of course! I love reading & I love Ireland… so reading about Ireland is easily a passion!
My 5-year old niece is currently infatuated with the loch ness monster (from The Water Horse movie). I have a feeling she’ll appreciate some of these suggestions as well. Thanks!
Water Horse is such a terrific movie! She will enjoy the Irish legends for sure!
Wonderful list, what a treasure trove for children. Thanks for sharing.
Ooh, I really loved this post!! I love Ireland, this country means so much to me and I have felt a peace and connection there that I’ve never experienced before in other countries of the world. I started my solo travelers there, I returned, I fell in love with my travel partner and together we made plans to hitchhike the whole world, which we are currently doing. I love the stories and the magic! It might be a list of books for kids, but I’ll look a few up for myself 🙂
That is so awesome! What a perfect place to start your world-wide trip, too. Yeah, the list is kid-friendly, but there are definitely options that appeal to all ages.
Ireland was my first international solo trip, as well. It’s an easy country to fall in love with.
Enjoy your reading!
Now that is thorough! Wow!
Wow! What a great collection. I’ve never read any of them but heard of a few. I’m sure we’ll be digging into these as my kids get older.
I hope you enjoy them Rob!
A good list indeed. Am going to look up some for my little girl.
Enjoy! Reading time is the best!
Wow what a great idea. I want to start teaching my niece about other countries. I love your suggestions. Might buy a few of these for her.
I hope you enjoy them, Renne!