Ireland is clearly but indefinably different to other lands; it has a strange compound of weather, landscape, people... and that something extra, the remnants of a pagan and mediaeval past. These elements of people and place combine to give the country a magic all its own. This magic can be found throughout the country; it can be felt at ancient horse fairs or ruined castles, and even on the streets of modern Irish towns. This book encapsulates all that is wonderful about Ireland, from the natural landscape to traditional shopfronts, to give an overall impression of what makes Ireland magical.

The magical sites of Celtic Ireland celebrate a vibrant blend of early Christian and pagan belief dating back to a time when worship in the oak groves went hand-in-hand with worship in the churches. Its sacred places — holy wells, monasteries and high crosses — retain their unique atmosphere; through these photographs and text we can explore these special places and share in the Celtic affinity with nature and the divine.