Fenian Tales (Metrical Translation)I-IV and VI-VIII

Archive Unit
  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 Eng MSS 488-494
  • Alternative Id.
      GB 133 Irish MSS 127-133
  • Dates of Creation
      1853, n.d.
  • Name of Creator
  • Language of Material
      English
  • Physical Description
      225 x 185 mm. 7 volumes (310 folios, 278 folios,282 folios, 144 folios, 93 folios, 155 folios and 179 folios); Bindings: half-bound in vellum, buckram-covered boards.

Scope and Content

Volumes 1 and 2 are dated 1853. Volume 5 is missing, but see Fenian TalesIV [Eng MS 482]. The tales are described as 'doneinto metre by D.H. Kelly, Esq., M.R.I.A.' The relationship between theprose and metrical versions of the Fenian Tales is as follows:

  • The tales of Volume 1 (Eng MS 488) are found, literally translated,among those in Fenian Tales I (Eng MS 479);
  • The tales of Volume 2 (Eng MS 489), except TheBanishment of the Sons of Uisneach (folios 3-26), are in Fenian TalesII (Eng MS 480);
  • The tales of Volume 3 (Eng MS 490), except TheLamentation of the Sons of Uisneach (folios 139-197), are in FenianTales I and II (Eng MSS 479 and 480);
  • The tales of Volume 4 (Eng MS 491) are in Fenian Tales IV (Eng MS 482);
  • The tale of Volumes 6-8 (Eng MSS 492-494) is in Fenian Tales VI and VII: The Cattle Raid of Cuailgne (Eng MSS 484-485).

Location of Originals

The Fenian Tales (Manuscripts 479-487) have been copied and translated from manuscripts in the Royal Irish Academy and in the McMahon Collection at Castle Kelly [unidentified].