The Irish have a long history of storytelling, with seanchaí ("storytellers") traveling from village to village spreading ancient tales of brave warriors, terrifying creatures, and awful misfortune. Partly thanks to this cultural practice, many stories from ancient Ireland have survived to this day, and are still told around campfires and in pubs on stormy nights. In fact, most Irish children who grew up hearing these stories from their less sympathetic relatives and teachers will remember them as a source of nightmares!
From shrieking banshees that herald the death of a loved one, to demons that lurk beneath the surface of Ireland's lakes, there are plenty of stories that would give even the hardiest readers nightmares for a week. Intrigued? Click through this gallery for a Celtic chill.