The Lure Of Irish Folklore On The Big Screen

There is a sense of magic and mystique surrounding Irish folklore. Whether it’s the mysterious landscapes, the existence of the supernatural, as well as fantastical elements like pots of gold at the end of the rainbow and lucky blarney stones, there’s no doubt that film directors have long been fascinated by the Emerald Isle.

Thanks to a blend of myth and cultural heritage, Ireland has delivered a bucketload of inspiration for Hollywood movie directors through the decades, inspiring films that have captivated film lovers worldwide. Below, we’ll explore some of the key narratives, deep-rooted within Irish folklore, which have thrived on the big screen.

The Supernatural

Supernatural beings are some of the most talked about aspects of Irish folklore. Have you ever encountered a selkie? The Secret of Roan Inish looks into these mythical beings which flit between human and seal form. It’s an incredibly slick movie which evokes the engaging yet melancholic tone of old-school Irish folk tales, resulting in a fusion of fantasy with raw, human emotion.

Ondine, starring Colin Farrell, is another selkie-inspired movie. Farrell plays a fisherman who is adamant that he encounters a selkie. As with The Secret of Roan Inish, Ondine also blends myth with a gritty, real-world plot. All of which goes to show the multi-faceted nature of Irish storytelling.

Folklore and Faerie Tales

Faeries are some of the best-known and best-loved figures within Irish folklore. Their cheeky and playful manner has long been central to the success of certain films through the years. Even the spooky thriller Grabbers manages to encapsulate the charm and wickedness of the Irish faeries, where weird-looking sea creatures embark on a quintessential Irish village and terrorise it.

Leprechauns are another weird and wonderful facet of Irish folklore which have a faerie tale appeal. Hollywood movie makers have also demonstrated that these smiley pint-sized characters are multidimensional and don’t just carry a whimsical image that so many feel they do. The 1993 horror-comedy, Leprechaun, is the perfect demonstration of how leprechauns can be just as malevolent as anyone else. The success of this original spawned multiple sequels and even a reboot. Leprechauns have remained a firm favourite in popular culture away from the big screen too thanks to their continued use in the world of iGaming, where titles like Rainbow Riches keep the myth alive and kicking, having been converted from a land-based slot machine game into an online slot.

Haunted Landscapes

Source: Unsplash

There’s also a strong connection between Irish folklore and landscapes, with the Emerald Isle’s rolling hills providing the perfect backdrop for haunting spirits and banshees to prevail. The 2009 release, The Eclipse, showcased the rugged Cork coastline in all its natural glory. The movie, which has a surprisingly high score on Rotten Tomatoes, exploits many of the darkest aspects of Irish folklore, including vulnerability and grief.

Additionally, The Hallow also ticks the boxes, set in the heart of rural Ireland. This 2015 horror film leans on ancient faerie tales, including the so-called ‘hidden folk’. These are interpreted as guardians of the rolling hills of Ireland, using any means necessary, giving rise to a terrifyingly dark narrative.

Although Irish folklore is so often light-hearted and jovial, the reinterpretation of these themes in the movies mentioned underlines its endless potential for creative reinvention.

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