Finding Fairies illustration (von Archivist - Adobe Stock)
In 1895 in Ireland, Bridget Cleary was starved, manhandled, had chicken droppings and urine thrown on her and herbs shoved down her throat while being interrogated about being a “changeling,” a person taken and then replaced by a fairy. Despite passing the interrogation, she was still burned alive by her husband as a form of “fairy exorcism.”
Despite happening less than 150 years ago, fairy lore is alive and well in Ireland and the U.K. Today, there are still “fairy forts,” trails, portals and sanctuaries where you might even spot a fairy. Just be wary of getting switched.
Dunvegan Castle, Scotland (von Guillaume - Adobe Stock)
The Ring of Kerry, Ireland: This place is home to sheep, lakes, cows and, most importantly, several fairy forts where the fairies reside. The ring is also one of Ireland’s most famous cycling routes. Keep your eyes peeled while on your bikes.
Aerial view of ancient Caherconnell Stone Fort circle in Ireland (von PhotoSpirit - Adobe Stock)
Caherconnell Stone Fort, Ireland: Located in Galway County, this fairy fort has stone walls that give visitors insight into 1,000-year-old architecture. Even if you don’t see any fairies, you will see plenty of sheepdogs on-site and you can even pet them.
South Uist, Scotland: In the Hebrides, South Uist is home to a tall mountain, Beinn Mhòr. This mountain is home to the Loireag, a water fairy known for her spinning abilities. She gets angry if women who work nearby sing the same song twice or sing poorly. So, perhaps avoid humming while exploring the area.
Dunvegan Castle and harbour on the Island of Skye, Scotland (Von catuncia - Adobe Stock)
Dunvegan Castle, Scotland: Located on the Isle of Skye, this castle has the fairy flag, which is a mysterious shawl that the son of an immortal fairy was found wrapped in. The fairy fell in love with a human, had a son and had to return to the fairy realm. It is believed she returned to wrap the crying baby in the shawl. Perhaps she will return to soothe a sad infant.
Northwood Trail, England: Known as “England’s Fairy Sanctuary,” this is 100 acres of woodland where visitors can find fairies, elves and relics. It is about 20 minutes from York. Along the trail, you will find treehouses, a fairy museum, a playground and an eatery that serves food made from regional fare using electricity that is self-sourced.
The Green Fairy Trail, England: In Lichfield, this trail is home to the Green Fairies of the trees. They make their homes and doors from recycled and re-purposed materials. The trail takes about 20-30 minutes to walk, so it’s perfect for a kids’ first fairy-finding mission.
Llyn Barfog, Wales: This lake, known as the “bearded lake” is one of several lakes in Wales that is believed to be a portal to Annwn, the fairy underworld/otherworld. Annwn is a place believed to have food in abundance and no disease. Stars and Stripes cannot be held liable if you attempt to swim through this portal.
Llangollen town along the river dee in north Wales, UK (Von asiastock - Adobe Stock)
Llangollen, Wales: This is where the U.K.’s largest fairy festival takes place every summer. Kids will love the rides and games. Adults will love the grown-ups-only Fairy Ball; and everyone will love trying to find the real fairies amongst the costumed patrons. In 2025, the festival will take place from Aug 9-10.
A Fairy Fort is an ancient circular mound, typically made of wood, earth and/or stone as a shelter for its inhabitants. It is believed that fairies protect these mounds, and you can suffer consequences and bad luck for interfering with these forts.
Can’t make it to Ireland or Scotland? You can escape to the world of fairies through books. Here are three that I recommend:
1. “The Burning of Bridget Cleary: A True Story” by Angela Bourke. Learn more about the story of Cleary in a world where people truly believed she had been fairy-possessed.
2. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series by Sarah J. Maas. Feyre kills a wolf to attempt to provide for her poor and starving family. It turns out the wolf is really a fairy and Feyre winds up entangled in a world of curses, wars, betrayal and romance.
3. “Wicked Lovely” series by Melissa Marr. While this is a “young adult” series, adult readers will still adore the story of Aislinn, a mortal girl who must hide her ability to see fairies from the world around her. This becomes even more difficult when she is chosen by the Summer King to potentially be his fairy Summer Queen.
