Ireland & Scotland Fairy Guide: Fairy Pools, Fairy Forts & Enchanting Spots

Fairy Places & Hidden Gems of the Isle of Skye, Scotland

 Main Attractions

 Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Crystal-clear cascading pools at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains, famous for their blue-green shimmer. Folklore says these pools were once the bathing place of fairies, and dipping your face in the icy water is said to bring good fortune. Best seen early morning or at golden hour when the light adds to the magic.
📍 Address: Glen Brittle, Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, Scotland (Car park at the start of the trail).

 The Old Man of Storr

One of Skye’s most iconic rock pinnacles, created by an ancient landslip. The jagged landscape has long been tied to myths of giants and earth spirits. Local folklore says the Old Man is a giant who fell asleep and turned to stone.
📍 Address: Old Man of Storr Car Park, A855, Portree IV51 9HX, Scotland.

The Quiraing

A dramatic, otherworldly landscape of cliffs, plateaus, and rock pinnacles. Legends claim ancient spirits and fairies shaped the strange formations. With mist rolling through the valleys, it feels like stepping into a mythical realm.
📍 Address: Quiraing Car Park, Staffin, Isle of Skye IV51 9LB, Scotland.

 Eilean Donan Castle

Scotland’s postcard-perfect castle, located at the meeting point of three sea lochs. While not strictly tied to fairies, its mystical setting has made it a backdrop for countless myths and legends. It’s also considered one of the most photographed castles in the world.
📍 Address: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, Scotland.

 Neist Point Lighthouse

Perched dramatically at the westernmost tip of Skye, Neist Point is famous for sunsets that feel like the edge of the world. Folklore whispers that the headland was once a gathering place for spirits, adding to its eerie beauty.
📍 Address: Glendale, Isle of Skye IV55 8WU, Scotland (Neist Point Car Park at end of single-track road).

 Hidden Gems

 The Fairy Glen, Uig

A whimsical miniature landscape of grassy mounds, spirals, and cone-shaped hills. Locals believe this glen was formed by fairies, and it remains one of Skye’s most enchanting hidden gems. Many visitors build stone spirals here, though tradition warns against disturbing fairy land.
📍 Address: Near Uig, Isle of Skye IV51 9YG, Scotland.

 Sligachan Old Bridge

This 19th-century stone bridge sits at the gateway to the Cuillin mountains. Legend says if you dip your face in the river beneath the bridge for seven seconds, fairies will grant you eternal youth and beauty.
📍 Address: A87, Sligachan, Isle of Skye IV47 8SW, Scotland.

  Brother’s Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)

A stunning coastal hike often overlooked by tourists. Folklore links the area to ancient brothers who settled along the coast, though the wild cliffs and sea stacks also give it a fairy-tale feel.
📍 Address: Start from a lay-by on the A855 north of Staffin, Isle of Skye IV51 9JT.

 Camasunary Bay

A remote beach with sweeping views of the Cuillin Mountains. The journey itself feels enchanted, requiring a hike along a dramatic coastal path. Folklore claims the area was once haunted by spirits who guarded the bay.
📍 Address: Accessible by hike from Kilmarie car park, Isle of Skye IV49 9DJ.

 Loch Coruisk

One of Skye’s most dramatic lochs, often described as the most beautiful in Scotland. Folklore says it’s home to kelpies — shape-shifting water horses from Celtic mythology. The loch is reachable only by boat from Elgol or a long mountain hike.
📍 Address: Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, Scotland.



Ireland – Fairy Rings, Waterfalls & Coastal Magic

 Main Attractions

 Ring of Kerry

This classic scenic drive circles the Iveragh Peninsula, revealing mountains, lakes, and sweeping Atlantic views. While not strictly fairy-linked, the route passes ancient ringforts and standing stones that carry mystical ties to Ireland’s legendary “fairy folk.”
📍 Address: Begins and ends in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland (N70/N71 loop drive).

 Cliffs of Moher

Ireland’s most iconic cliffs rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic. Folklore speaks of spirits and fairies gathering here, with the dramatic sea spray believed to carry whispers of the Otherworld. Best visited at sunrise or off-season to avoid crowds.
📍 Address: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, V95 KN9T, Ireland.

 Connemara National Park

Covering boglands, mountains, and shimmering lakes, Connemara feels like Ireland at its wildest. Folklore ties its rugged peaks to fairy mischief and ancient warrior legends. Hike Diamond Hill for panoramic views that feel truly otherworldly.
📍 Address: Connemara National Park Visitor Centre, Letterfrack, Co. Galway, H91 VEV4, Ireland.

  The Burren

A surreal limestone karst landscape, dotted with wildflowers, caves, and historic ruins. Ancient myths suggest the Burren’s rocky surface was a meeting place for spirits. The stark beauty feels like walking across a lunar fairyland.
📍 Address: Burren National Park Information Point, Church St, Corofin, Co. Clare, V95 VX83, Ireland.

  Glendalough

Nestled in Wicklow’s “Valley of the Two Lakes,” Glendalough is famous for its monastic ruins and tranquil scenery. Local legends say fairies and monks coexisted here, the lakes serving as portals to spiritual worlds.
📍 Address: Glendalough Visitor Centre, Laragh, Co. Wicklow, A98 HC80, Ireland.

Hidden Gems

  The Fairy Bridges & Wishing Chair (Bundoran, Donegal)

Rugged sea arches where locals believed fairies danced. The stone Wishing Chair is said to grant wishes to those who sit and make a secret request.
📍 Address: Tullan Strand Rd, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, F94 X2K0, Ireland.

  Poulnabrone Dolmen (The Burren)

A 5,000-year-old portal tomb believed to be a doorway to the “Otherworld.” Folklore says it marked a passage for fairies and spirits. Most magical at sunrise or sunset.
📍 Address: R480 Road, Caherconnell, The Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland.

  Kesh Caves (Sligo)

These ancient limestone caves are tied to Ireland’s mystical Tuatha Dé Danann and feature in legends of Queen Medb. Their dramatic hilltop setting makes them feel otherworldly.
📍 Address: Keshcorran, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, Ireland (trailhead in Kesh village).

 Assaranca Waterfall (Donegal)

This roadside cascade near Ardara thunders down into lush greenery. Locals once believed water spirits and fairies guarded such waterfalls. It’s especially stunning after heavy rain.
📍 Address: Assaranca Waterfall, Maghera, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland.

 The Dark Hedges (Ballymoney, Antrim)

A tunnel of beech trees said to be haunted by a “Grey Lady,” believed by some to be a fairy spirit. Famous from Game of Thrones, but folklore predates the show by centuries.
📍 Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 8PX, Northern Ireland.

 Fairy Forts (Scattered Across Ireland)

Thousands of ringforts dot rural Ireland, seen as portals to the fairy world. Folklore warns against disturbing them — many farmers still refuse to build on or plough through these sites.
📍 Address: Common across Ireland; visible examples in Co. Kerry, Co. Clare, and Co. Donegal.

 Slieve League Cliffs (Donegal)

Far taller than the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League is tied to stories of fairy gatherings and spirit worlds. The cliffs are raw, wild, and breathtaking.
📍 Address: Slieve League Viewing Point, Teelin, Carrick, Co. Donegal, F94 W8KC, Ireland.

 Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden (Connemara)

This dreamy lakeside abbey looks straight out of a fairy tale. While not strictly linked to fairy legend, its romantic setting and misty backdrop feel otherworldly. Be sure to stroll the Victorian walled garden and search for the fairy house plant along the way.
📍 Address: Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara, Co. Galway, H91 VR90, Ireland.

Stepping Into the Magic of Fairy Places in Ireland & Scotland

From the shimmering Fairy Pools on Skye to the mystical fairy forts of Ireland, these landscapes are more than just beautiful—they’re woven with centuries of stories, legends, and traditions. Whether you believe in the fairies or simply love the romance of folklore, exploring these spots lets you step into a world where myth and nature collide.

If you’re planning a trip, I recommend mixing a few of the well-known attractions with hidden gems. Hike to the Fairy Glen, pause at a fairy fort tucked in an Irish field, or linger in the Victorian walled garden. These are the moments that make a trip unforgettable.

Ready to Plan Your Own Fairy Adventure?

✨ I’d love to help you design your next trip through Ireland or Scotland. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering fairy trails, sipping whisky by a Skye fireplace, or chasing Atlantic views in Donegal, I can take the stress out of planning and make sure you don’t miss the magic.

👉 Let’s work together to design your next adventure. Contact Road and Table today to start planning.

And if you can’t get enough of Ireland, don’t miss these:

• 📖 Wine & Dine Through Connemara Digital Guide – my curated foodie + travel guide packed with hidden gems, restaurants, and scenic stops.
• 📝 Ireland Travel Guide: The West, A Splendid Adventure – another blog post full of inspiration for exploring Ireland’s wild west coast.

Dive Deeper Into Fairy Folklore

If wandering fairy landscapes sparks your curiosity, you don’t have to stop at the cliffs and glens. Ireland and Scotland’s folklore has been preserved in countless stories, and two of my favorite collections bring those legends to life:

• Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore — Originally published as two separate volumes in 1800s, this premier collection of Irish stories edited and compiled W. B. Yeats is the perfect gift for any lover of Irish literature and folklore. The lyrical prose and rich cultural heritage of each tale will captivate and enchant readers of all ages and keep them entertained for hours on end.
• The Scottish Fairy Book — A timeless anthology filled with kelpies, brownies, and woodland spirits that have haunted (and helped) Scottish villagers for centuries. It’s a wonderful companion if you’re exploring Skye or the Highlands and want to understand the folklore woven into the landscapes.

📖 Add one (or both) to your reading list before you go — it’s a magical way to connect the stories you read with the places you’ll see.