The Long-Awaited Volume 2 of The Folklore of Wexford Has Arrived!!
Great news for lovers of Wexford folklore, history, and culture, The Folklore of Wexford, Volume 2 by Michael Fortune has finally arrived. Following the phenomenal success of Volume 1, released in late 2023 and reprinted three times due to overwhelming demand, Michael now returns with a stunning new installment that continues his deep personal connection to Wexford’s traditions, people, and landscape.
Rooted in the local experience, Volume 2 offers a vibrant and contemporary exploration of County Wexford’s beliefs, customs, and folklore through the eyes of Michael, a man born, reared, and still living in the county. Drawing on decades of fieldwork, the book captures the voices, stories, and memories of neighbours, friends, and the many people he has met while recording Ireland’s living traditions.
The result is a richly textured collection filled with unrecorded stories, songs, maps, verses, sayings, and customs that together paint an unforgettable picture of this unique corner of Ireland. From tales of local place names and Wexford’s old maps, to folklore about birds, frogs, fraughan picking, and Easter customs, every page bursts with local colour. One section delves into remarkable World War II accounts, including the stories of three Allied planes that crashed within miles of each other. Another uncovers the legend of the eighteenth-century highwayman Caher Rua, also known as Charles of the Horse, offering perhaps the first comprehensive account of his life and legacy. The 1798 Rebellion is also vividly represented, with stories of The Babes in the Wood and a chilling account of an 1839 eviction that saw 41 families put to the road.
Other highlights include a special feature on the Fethard-on-Sea area, from Cromwell’s Leap to the cutting of millstones at Harrylock, with over one hundred local place names mapped and documented. There is an in-depth section on Wexford’s history of faction fighting, as well as lighter moments such as the tale of Cork stuntman Tim Hayes, who arrived in Monamolin in 1970 and asked to be buried in a local raheen, or fairy fort.
Every story is told in Michael’s unmistakable voice, rich, natural, and authentic, supported by archival research and first-hand accounts. The book is beautifully illustrated with over 215 images, many captured by Michael himself, and includes more than 30 QR codes linking to hours of interviews recorded with local people.
While self-produced, the book has received generous in-kind support from the North Wexford Historical Society and the local community.
Launch Events
Michael has partnered with Easons to host two launch events later this month:
Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m. — Eason, Wexford Town
Launched by Alan Corcoran, broadcaster on South East Radio
Friday, November 21, 6:30 p.m. — Eason, Gorey
Launched by Gerard Fleming, Chair of the North Wexford Historical Society
Both events are free, and Michael will be on hand to sign copies and share stories from the book. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to join in celebrating this remarkable contribution to Wexford’s cultural heritage.
Also check out other Arts events in Gorey, Fine Arts events in Gorey.
