Those magic words, "Once upon a time," have been spoken around the flickering flame of the turf fire by storytellers for thousands of years. Tony Locke has gathered together stories that are part of the rich tapestry that makes up the folklore, myth, and legend of County Mayo. This book will take you on a journey through the rugged landscape of the west coast of Ireland, to its holy mountain Croagh Patrick known locally as The Reek, and across the waters of Clew Bay. Here you will read of Grainne Uialle, The Pirate Queen, the specter known as the Fir Gorta who roamed the famine villages of west Mayo, the monsters that inhabit the deep waters of Lough Mask, and the Matchstalk man of Straide. You will also read of the Love Flower and two young lovers, the land of eternal youth known as Tir na Nog, and the night of the Big Wind. So why not pull up a chair and sit awhile; you know you're never too old for a story.