Tír na Nóg: The Legend Of Oisin And The Land Of Eternal Youth
By: Author Keith O'Hara
Posted on Last updated: June 4, 2020
Ah, Tír na nÓg. Arguably one of the most popular places to feature in the many tales and legends from Irish mythology.
If you're not familiar with the magical land of Tír na nÓg, it was a place where it was believed that any who reached it would be granted eternal youth.
In the guide below, you'll discover everything from the story of Oisin and his journey to the mythical land to where to find it and much more.
What is Tír na Nóg?
The Story of Oisin
The Daughter of Tír na nÓg
The Land of Youth
Three Hundred Years in the Blink of an Eye
Oisin's return to Ireland
The end in sight
Many years ago, people believed that there existed a land of eternal youth. According to legend, if a person made it to Tír na nÓg, they'd remain the same age that they were at the time when they entered.
It was thought that the land of eternal youth existed somewhere in the western sea and it was here that those brave enough to find it would discover a land of immense beauty that only a select few would ever experience.
Photo by Gorodenkoff (Shutterstock)
The story of Oisin and Tír na nÓg is one of the most popular tales from Irish folklore. Now, if you've never heard of Oisin before, he was the son of the great Irish warrior Fionn MacCumhaill.
Oisin was a revered poet and he was a member of the Fianna. It was on an outing to hunt deer with the Fianna that this story all begins.
Oisin and the Fianna were resting after a busy morning of hunting in County Kerry when they heard the sound of an approaching horse.
They looked up and saw a woman riding a beautiful white horse. The beauty of the woman stunned the group of men into silence.
It became clear that this was no ordinary woman. She was dressed like a princess and she had long flowing hair. As she got closer, Fionn sensed that something was a miss.
Jumping to his feet he shouted for the woman to halt and state her business. She replied to say that her name was Niamh, the daughter of the King of Tir na nOg.
She went on to explain that she had heard of a valiant warrior named Oisin who she wanted to propose an adventure to – she wanted Oisin to return with her to the land of Tír na nÓg.
Fionn was taken aback. This mysterious woman who came out of nowhere on a white horse wanted to take his son to a land of eternal youth where he'd never see him again? Not a chance!
Oisin was drunk with love. He had never seen a woman like this. He glanced over at his father and Fionn knew immediately that this would be the last time that he lay eyes on his son.
Oisin said his goodbyes and left Ireland with Niamh. The pair travelled over land and stormy sea for several days and night, without stopping.
Niamh's horse travelled fast and Oisin thought little of those that he left behind. Eventually, the pair arrived back to Tir na nOg where a massive celebration awaited.
The King and people of Tír na nÓg had prepared a feast for Oisin's arrival and he immediately felt at home. Tír na nÓg was everything that he imagined it would be.
Oisin was admired by many in Tír na nÓg. He told incredible stories of his time with the Fianna and he had won the hand of the most beautiful woman in the land.
Before long, Oisin and Niamh had wed. Time went by quickly in Tír na nÓg and although Oisin missed his family back in Ireland, he had no regrets about his new life in this magical land.
Oisin lost track of time quickly. Three years in Tír na nÓg was actually three hundred years back in Ireland and beyond. He was happy, but he eventually began to get pangs of homesickness.
One night, Oisin sat down with Niamh and expressed his longing to return home. Although she didn't want him to leave Tir na nOg, she understood.
She gave him her magical white horse and explained how to get back to Ireland. It all seemed straightforward to Oisin. Then Niamh gave him one final warning.
If Oisin's feet touched the ground in Ireland or if even one toe was set down on Irish soil, he would never be able to get back to Tir na nOg.
Oisin left Tir na nOg in good spirits. In his head, he was only away for three years. He looked forward to seeing his family and friends once again.
However, when he eventually arrived back to Ireland, he was shocked. Everything had changed. His father, the Fianna and all of his friends and family had disappeared.
Oisin was in a state of distress when he saw a group of men in the distance trying to move a large rock. He rode over to the men and offered his assistance.
Now, Oisin hadn't forgotten what Niamh told him back in Tir na nOg. He knew that he must not touch Irish soil. So, he decided that if he angled himself in the horse's saddle he could still help move the stone.
The group pushed and pushed and the stone began to slowly give way. It was then that the saddle tore apart and Oisin fell straight onto Irish soil.
Oisin hit the ground and he immediately knew that he was doomed. The horse fled and he felt himself begin to shrivel. It was as if his body was ageing three hundred years in the space of seconds.
Oisin quickly became the oldest man in Ireland. The men around him panicked. They decided that the only thing to do would be to bring Oisin to a saint.
And what saint is mightier than Ireland's Patron Saint, Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick sat with Oisin and listened to his story. He explained to Oisin that time worked differently in Tir na nOg.
He explained that his father, the great Fionn, and everyone that he knew had long since passed. Oisin was inconsolable.
He cursed Tir na nOg and the misfortune it had brought him. Oisin continued to age rapidly and, before long, he passed away.
If you enjoyed this story, you'll find plenty more in our guides to the best Irish myths and the creepiest stories from Irish folklore.
Keith O'Hara
Howaya! Thanks for visiting the Irish road trip! This site exists to inspire and guide you on an Irish adventure that'll give birth to a lifetime of memories (sounds very arsey altogether, I know!).
Fionn Mac Cumhaill And The Legend Of The Salmon of knowledge
The Pursuit of Diarmuid And Grainne And The Legend Of Benbulben
Jackie Mc Lean
Monday 20th of September 2021
I'd always wondered what that story was about and now I know, thanks guys
Glamping Dublin: Where to Go Glamping if You Live in the Capital
17 Of The Funkiest Places To Go Glamping On The Wild Atlantic Way
Is This Lakeside Glampsite in Donegal The Most Unique Place to Go Glamping in Ireland?