The Fairy Islands
Irish TriviaFairy Islands are magical places of mythological origin. Spring and happiness bloom eternally on these islands providing a wonderful and enchanted land in which to live. Sickness, old age, and unhappiness are unheard of by all who live here.
The exact whereabouts of the Fairy Islands is unknown, although speculation has them placed in a highly secretive location. Popular thought places them underwater in an undisclosed spot. They only arise to the surface at night and are only visible on very special occasions. Mere mortals, typically fishermen, have seen them, but the islands always seem to disappear before the boats can land.
The best known of these islands are:
* Blest or Fortunate Islands
* Mag Mell or the Pleasant Plain
* Mag Mor or the Great Plain
* Tir Nan Og or the Land of the Young
* Tir Tairngire or the Plain of Happiness
* Tire Nam Beo or the Land of the Living
* Tirfo Thuinn or the Land Under the Waves
* Tirn Aill or the Other World
The Blest or Fortunate Islands are said to have endless summers. Only good things exist or occur on this island that is home to mortals who were given immortality by the gods. It is thought that these islands lay in the Western Ocean. In fact, many individuals have speculated that the Canary Islands or the Madeira Islands might be the location of the Fortunate Islands.
Mag Mell or the Pleasant Plain is another world where the inhabitants have immortality. These islands have been placed to the southwest of Ireland. Aes-shee, a female fairy, has been credited with being the ruler of these immortals. The Pleasant Plain is a land where joy is everlasting, no one ever ages, and the people are always agreeable. No sorrow or conflict befalls anyone who lives in Mag Mell.
Mag Mor or the Great Plain is one of the other worlds. It is a place where music always plays and the ale is more intoxicating than anywhere else, including Ireland. Shame is unknown on this island. Possessions do not exist. The inhabitants are always happy.
Tir Nan Og or the Land of the Young is thought to be located to the west of Ireland in the ocean. It is a magical place where no one ever ages and sickness and death never occur. It is a happy place where the inhabitants can play, take pleasure in music, and enjoy life. It is a land where everything is at its best. Indeed, it is one of the favorites of the mythological Irish islands. If one of the fairies that live on the island extends an invitation, then the individual will be allowed to visit.
Tir Tairngire or the Plain of Happiness is a land where everything is good and plentiful. Peace exists eternally and all of the inhabitants know endless happiness. Disease and death are unknown on this land where neither frost nor excessive heat occurs. The fruit is ever present on the trees and it is always supremely sweet and luscious to the taste.
Tire Nam Beo or the Land of the Living is an elusive island in the Western Ocean. It is always spring, life is always good, and food is always plentiful. No one ever becomes ill, ages, or dies there. The inhabitants take pleasure in life and all it has to offer.
Tirfo Thuinn or the Land Under the Waves is one of the other worlds. It is a land where death and sickness never come. It is located in the ocean to the west of Ireland. Life is always pleasant there.
Tirn Aill or the Other World is a place of eternal happiness. It is always spring here. Death is unknown and therefore, aging never occurs. Illness does not exist in this enchanting place.
