School: Slane (C.) (roll number 4852)
- Location:
- Slane, Co. Meath
- Teacher: Josephine Cooney
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0713, Page 200A
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- XML “Strange Animals”
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- Long ago at Slane Castle there was said to be a strange animal known by the name 'Puck', this animal lived in a place called the Glen not far away from the Castle along the Boyne. The 'Pucks house' was well preserved until lately as there was furniture in it and flowers growing round it. This place is situated between the Castle and Beauparc on the North side of the Boyne. This strange house or cave is still to be seen and is known as the "Pucks Hole". He was supposed to change himself into all kinds of shapes and figures. No matter what figure he formed in he had always a chain after him and people used to hide and fear him when they would hear a chain rattling. He was supposed to bring people long journeys on his back. He sometimes took the shape of a horse, cow or dog but nearly [always] in the shape of a dog. The story is told that a groom at the Castle was going home one night from the village when he met the 'Puck' in the shape of a horse on the road. The groom had spurs on him and after mounting the horse for a good gallop he thought he would best him by making him go faster. He(continues on next page)
- Collector
- Alice Coyle
- Gender
- Female
