Ireland - Children's Books

The land of four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows... perfect for kids! And Guinness beer... perfect for parents!

Do you know of a kids book about Ireland missing from this list? Please feel free to note it in a comment below!

Last Updated: March 25, 2025

Children's A to Z Books about Ireland

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet: S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet gives readers a guided A-Z tour of this small island country whose influence extends far beyond its sea borders. Famous landmarks such as the Blarney Stone and Finn McCool's Giant Causeway speak to the land and history that shaped Ireland and its inhabitants. The prose and poetry of Eve Bunting, Irish native and children's book author, bring the magic and mystery, character and culture of the Emerald Isle to vivid life.

Ireland A~Z for kids: Real photos to introduce kids to the real Ireland - from megalithic stone circles to Irish sports, culture and wildlife. Perfect photo book for St. Patrick's Day or before a trip to Ireland.

Children's Books about Irish Folktales and Legends

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Jamie O'Rourke and the Big Potato: A hilarious read-aloud inspired by Irish folklore that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, featuring colorful artwork in Tomie dePaola’s signature style. Jamie O'Rourke is the laziest man in all of Ireland, far too lazy to help his wife on their farm. Then, after a chance encounter with a leprechaun, Jamie finds himself growing the biggest potato in the world. But what will happen when the potato grows too large for Jamie and the villagers to handle?

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] O'Sullivan Stew: Someone has stolen the witch of Crookhaven's horse, and there will be no peace in the village until it is returned. So bold, brassy Kate O'Sullivan takes matters into her own hands. But instead of saving the day, she manages to land herself--and her family--in trouble with the king. So Kate sets out to save their hides the only way she knows how--with a good story. Filled with imagination, wit, and a healthy helping of good old-fashioned Irish blarney, this is a hilarious tale that will keep readers coming back for more.

A Pot O' Gold: A Treasury Of Irish Stories, Poetry, Folklore, And (of Course) Blarney: Though it may only be a small emerald isle, Ireland's heritage is very large indeed. In A Pot O' Gold, noted writer Kathleen Krull and beloved illustrator David McPhail bring this legacy to life. Created for families, this anthology compiles classic and rare examples of Irish culture including stories, poems, songs, recipes, and even a little blarney. From legends of leprechauns and fairies to the classic poetry of Yeats and Joyce, this treasury is a perfect way for anyone to share the wonders of Ireland.

Favourite Irish Legends: Best Loved Tales from Ireland: A bumper collection of Ireland's favorite legends for children. Included are: The Children of Lir , The Brown Bull of Cooley , Deirdre of the Sorrows , The Salmon of Knowledge and a host of other legends of Oisin , Setanta, Fionn and the heroes of Irish mythology.

Great Irish Legends for Children: This volume of six traditional Irish legends includes stories about a king with donkey's ears, a moral lesson about riches and possessions based on a brown bull, a tale explaining how the coast of Antrim was formed by a giant, and other tales about treachery, bravery, and honor. Spirited illustrations bring each tale to life, and a pronunciation guide is included to assist with reading the unusual Irish names such as Ailill and Daire Mac Fiachra. Told for hundreds of years, these stories are a rich part of Irish history and lend themselves to great storytelling.

The O'Brien Book of Irish Fairy Tales and Legends: Irish fairy tales and legends are full of enchantment, brave deeds and lost loves. Told from generation to generation, they are as fascinating now as they were to their original listeners.  This wonderfully rich and varied collection are ten of the best-loved traditional Irish stories, retold by author and poet Una Leavy. The Post of Gold captures the trickery and mischief of leprechauns; the story of Oisin in Tír na n-Óg marks the end of the great Fianna. From 2000 years ago comes The Children of Lir … all stories to be treasured for years to come.  Susan Field's beautiful illustrations are inspired by ancient Celtic art and culture. They capture the wealth of tradition, the humor and the magic of these great stories.

The Children of Lir: Ireland's Favourite Legend: The Children of Lir is a story from long, long ago, part of an ancient oral tradition, handed down from generation to generation. It’s Ireland’s best-loved legend: the story of Fionnuala Aodh. Fiachra and Conn – the children of King Lir - and how they were turned into swans and cursed to wander until the toll of a bell broke the spell and freed them from the enchantment.

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Fiona's Luck: The luck of the Irish has waned after the greedy Leprechaun King has taken all the good fortune in Ireland and locked it away. It is up to one cunning girl, Fiona to come up with a plan to get the luck and good tidings back from the leprechauns to help the people of Ireland. Through clever charades, Fiona uses her wit to outsmart the powerful Leprechaun King and restore luck to the Emerald Isle. Luminous and enchanting illustrations add to the wonder of this original folktale, that is sure to charm readers young and old who are looking for a bit of magic to spark their story time.

Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk: Tim O’Toole and his wife, Kathleen, are so poor they have not a penny or a potato between them. Even their cats are too skinny for the mice to chase! When Tim goes out to find a job, he stumbles upon “the wee folk”—a band of leprechauns who give him gifts to make his fortune. That is, if Tim can keep clear of the evil McGoon family. . .

Cara and the Wizard: A Tale from Ireland (Stories From Around the World): Can brave Cara defeat a wolf and a wizard to bring back her beloved sister? When her sister Molly disappears, young Cara heads off on a daring quest in which nothing is as it seems. This illustrated chapter book retelling of an Irish folktale is available individually and as part of the Stories from around the World: 4 Tales of Persistence & Grit set.

Ring of Truth: Patrick O'Kelley upsets the king and others in his town because of the lies and boastful stories he is constantly telling, so while preparing for a county blarney contest, the king decides, once and for all, to teach Patrick a lesson.

Celtic Folk Tales: Timeless Tales from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the British Isles: Introducing "Celtic Folk Tales," a captivating collection of seven timeless folk tales from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the British Isles. This enchanting children's book is filled with magical creatures such as leprechauns, fairies, selkies, hedgehogs, foxes, elves, and more.  Immerse your child in the rich culture and folklore of the British Isles with stories that have been passed down for generations. Each tale is beautifully illustrated and will transport your child to a world of fantasy and wonder.

Celtic Tales: Fairy Tales and Stories of Enchantment from Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales: Perilous quests, true love, and animals that talk. The traditional stories of Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, and Wales collected in this extraordinary volume conjure forgotten realms and rare magical creatures in vivid prose, transporting us to the fantastical world of Celtic folklore. These timeless tales brim with wit and magic, and each one is brought to life with elegant silhouette art in this special illustrated edition.

Children's Books about Saint Patrick of Ireland and Saint Patrick's Day

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland: An illustrated tribute to the Irish patron saint from the best-selling author of Quiet, Strega Nona, and many others. This timeless picture book, available in large-format paperback or as the board book Saint Patrick, is a perfect introduction to important Irish legends and an ideal St. Patrick's day gift. Beloved children's book author-illustrator Tomie dePaola recounts the life of Saint Patrick—from his noble birth in Britain, to his captivity in Ireland, to the visions which led him to return and found the first Christian church in Ireland. With his signature bold illustrations and engaging prose, Tomie dePaola recounts a number of legends about the Saint—including the well-known story of how he drove the snakes from Ireland, and his association with the shamrock.

The Last Snake in Ireland: Before he becomes a saint, Patrick drives all the snakes but one out of Ireland and that last one he throws into Scotland's Loch Ness.

Saint Patrick the Forgiver: The History and Legends of Ireland's Bishop: Everybody's Irish on Saint Patrick's Day. But did you know that Patrick―the greatest bishop of Ireland―wasn't Irish? Combining Patrick's words from his Confessions with a few of the legends about him, this whimsical retelling will teach families about the fascinating life of the real Saint Patrick and help them discover a remarkable story of love and forgiveness along the way.Told in rollicking rhyme and beautifully illustrated with Ned Bustard's signature linocut artwork, this children's book will be enjoyed by kids and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content.

Saint Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland: Just who was St Patrick? When and where did he live? And how did he come to be the patron saint of Ireland? And what is the link with the shamrock and the legend of the snakes? This useful little book covers all these topics providing background information that all patriotic youngsters will be interested to know.

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] The Night Before St. Patrick's Day: It's the night before St. Patrick's Day, and Tim and Maureen are wide awake setting traps to catch a leprechaun! When they wake the next morning to the sound of their dad playing the bagpipes and the smell of their mom cooking green eggs, they're shocked to find that they've actually caught a leprechaun. But will they be able to find his pot of gold? Natasha Wing's sweet story is once again told in verse to the same meter of Clement Moore's classic.

Peppa Pig: Peppa Loves St. Patrick's Day: Peppa learns about and celebrates St. Patrick's Day in this original storybook. Includes a special fact sheet in the back.

Children's Books about Dublin and Ireland

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] This Is Ireland (This Is...travel): Like the other Sasek classics, This is Ireland is a facsimile edition of his original book from the 1960s and is still timely and current in every way. The brilliant, vibrant illustrations have been meticulously preserved, remaining true to his vision more than 40 years later and, where applicable, facts have been updated for the twenty-first century, appearing on a "This is...Today" page at the back of the book. The stylish, charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek's witty, playful narrative, makes for a perfect souvenir that will delight both children and their parents, many of whom will remember this book from their childhood.

[Mama Traveler Recommended!] The President's Glasses: The Irish President has some Very Important Documents to sign at Dublin Castle, but without his glasses, how will he do it?  Luckily, the Presidential Pigeon knows exactly what’s happened, and follows the Presidential car to Dublin Castle, taking a bird’s eye view of the city on his way.

Good Night Ireland: Good Night Ireland celebrates the Emerald Isle in a manner that is sure to charm children and adults alike. Icons such as Saint Patrick, leprechauns, Irish knitwear, and The Blarney Stone are included along with Dublin, Cork, Galway, Belfast, the Irish Sea, the Shetland Islands and so much more.

Sheep of Ireland: They roam our hills and wander our country lanes; graze in our valleys and frolic in our fields. Sheep have lived happily beside us in Ireland for some five thousand years – it’s no wonder they’re an unofficial national symbol. In this book, we celebrate our wonderful woolly friends, who not only fill our meadows, but also our history and our hearts.

Mommy, Where does Grandpa come from?: Ireland: A delightful book that showcases Irish culture and heritage. The book aims to show children that their ancestor's story is an important part of their own. Told in a child-friendly way and filled with fun facts the book aspires to teach children about Irish immigration and let them know that there is always a "million welcomes" waiting for them in Ireland.

Peppa Pig: Peppa Goes to Ireland: Peppa and George are going to Ireland for an Irish-dancing festival! But when the band forget their instruments, will Peppa and her family be able to save the day? This brand-new story features a glittery cover and is the perfect introduction to Ireland for little Peppa fans.

Let's See Ireland!: Follow Molly's journey in this gorgeous picture book that is sure to delight adults and children alike! Molly, her parents and her cat Mipsy tour Ireland and see all the main sights!

Let's Visit Dublin!: Adventures of Bella & Harry: Join sibling Chihuahuas, Bella and Harry, as they travel to Dublin and visit the Ha’Penny Bridge and Trinity College Library. Take side trips to Giant’s Causeway, Blarney Castle and the Cliffs of Moher. Sample local cuisine (such as Irish stew and Irish soda bread) and learn basic Irish Gaelic phrases.

Ireland is two things: Journey through Ireland, with Ireland! Inspired by a foreign visit, this picture book follows a little girl named Ireland and her mom as they explore the countryside. Castles, Irish dancing and four-leaf clovers are all a part of the adventure! The story highlights the love of a mother while also teaching children about the natural beauty and friendly culture that makes Ireland unique.

Places to See and People to Meet in Ireland: Pack up your bags because we’re going to Ireland! This geography book will feature some of the best places to see in Ireland.

Animals of Ireland: Welcome to "Animals of Ireland", the perfect book for young children ages 0-6 who love animals and enjoy rhyming stories. This beautifully illustrated book features a variety of Irish animals, such as the playful otter, the majestic red deer, and the curious puffin, among many others.

Ireland: My Country: Take a trip around the world to the beautiful island of Ireland. Come explore the beauty of the Irish people and the ancient traditions, culture, music, art, and world-famous landmarks. Learn all about Ireland's culture, Irish heritage and what makes this Emerald Isle unique. Engage in the culture while learning facts about Irish customs, money and even what genes make them special!

A Kid's Guide to Ireland: The book helps today’s young explorers learn about Ireland’s fascinating history, geography, provinces, culture, and wildlife. The large format (8 ½ x 11) includes dramatic full-color photos that help tell the story of Ireland. Designed primarily for recreational, high-interest reading, the book is also a great resource for students to use to research geography topics or writing assignments.