How to watch Irish fairy tales without watching them

Irish fairy tale author Mairis Ó Mairíneigh was among those who argued against the idea that the Irish fairy story was not in danger of becoming a national treasure.

“There are certain aspects of Irish fairy stories which are more than just a cultural phenomenon, but they are also very important for understanding the history and the social and political processes of the country,” Ó Ó Martíneal told the Irish Times.

“They are a significant part of the national identity.”

However, he added that it was also possible that some of the fairy tales could be seen as a form of propaganda against the Irish people, as a “militant version of nationalist politics.”