Irish Folklore: The legend of Tír na nÓg

This wonderful story of true love, loss, and the twists and turns of life's journey is a favourite in Ireland - especially for those finding their path or fans of Irish folklore. Read on to hear the tale and learn what became of Oisín (pronounced Uh-sheen), Niamh (pronounced nee-uv), and her magical horse, Enbarr.

But before we get to the story it might be useful to give you a bit of background.

What does Tír Na nÓg mean?

Tír Na nÓg literally translates as 'land of the young.' Tír is the gaelic for land, and Óg is young. This 'land of the young' is a name for an island of the celtic "otherworld". In Celtic mythology, the "otherworld" parallel universe exists alongside our own. We humans can't see or get to without some mystical assistance. It is home to the Tuath Dé or the Tuatha Dé Danann - the gods and goddesses of Irish myth and legend.

How to pronounce Tír Na nÓg

Gaelic is notoriously difficult for non-native speakers to wrap their heads around. But happily, this is an instance where what you read is not so far from what you say! Tír is pronounced 'tier', like the ones you would find on a cake. Na is just as it seems, 'nah.' And nÓg is again close to what you read, just stretch it out a bit to 'nogue,' sounds like rogue. So all together that is “tier na nogue."

The Legend of Tír Na nÓg

Niamh, a princess of Tír Na nÓg, was said to have fallen in love at first sight with the Irish hero Oisín while traveling on her white horse Enbarr. She had spotted Oisín out hunting with his famous father Fionn, and the rest of the Fianna.

Happily, Oisín was just as taken with Niamh, who was every bit the meaning of her name, "bright" and "radiant", with her long flowing golden hair. Oisín agreed to travel across the waves with her on her horse to Tír na nÓg to live in eternal love and youth. The magical horse galloped across the waves, his hooves seeming to dance across the water. The striking green countryside and craggy mountains of Ireland's shore receded in the distance. Emerging from the mist was Tír na nÓg, a mystical land of eternal life, love, and beauty.

They lived together there in health and happiness for three years, at which point Oisín grew homesick for his father, the Fianna, and Ireland. Niamh could see he was troubled and so she loaned Oisín her horse to ride back to Ireland. Before he left, she warned him not to touch the ground of Ireland. If he did so, he could never return. She watched him ride off on her horse, over the ocean back to Ireland.

Oisín rode back across the waves, only to find his family and friends long dead and Ireland utterly changed. He realised then that time passed differently on Tír Na nÓg. Rather than three years, instead three hundred had slipped past. Heartbroken, Oisín turned to return to Niamh and Tír na nÓg. But ever the hero, he stopped to help some men that were struggling to lift a heavy stone. It was a mere pebble for a warrior like Oisín. Reaching down, he slipped from his saddle and fell to the ground.

As soon as Oisín touched the earth, Enbarr disappeared in a silver flash over the waves back to Tír na nÓg. In an instant the three hundred years caught up with Oisín and he aged terribly. Now a wizened old man, he survived just long enough to tell his tragic tale of love and loss to the mystified men, who in some tellings included St. Patrick.

An inspirational tale

This wonderful legend of true love and loss has inspired countless storybooks, songs, paintings, a video game, stamps, an epic poem by W.B. Yeats, and even a rollercoaster! This beautiful and somewhat haunting tale also inspired our own Tír Na nÓg pendant. Enbarr, the great horse that dances across the waves to Tír na nÓg has been expertly crafted with a flowing, gold-plated mane and tail, capturing the magic of this mythical horse, Tír na nÓg, and the romantic legend of Niamh and Oisín.

Find out More

We hope you have enjoyed reading about a small piece of Ireland's rich culture and folklore. You will find more stories like these on our blog, or browse our Folklore collection for beautiful designs, inspired by our rich history and culture.