What does Na-nÓg mean?
The legend of Na-nÓg
Tir Na-nÓg was an enchanted land where the beautiful Tuatha de Danann lived. They were the last generation of gods and goddesses to rule Ireland and were possessed with magical abilities and great skills in the Arts.
After being conquered in battle, they were allowed to stay in Ireland only if they remained underground, whereupon they became known as Celtic fairies. The story of Tir Na-nÓg is closely linked to the story of Oisin, one of the great heroes and poets of ancient Ireland. Oisin was a member of a band of legendary heroes, the Fianna. The Fianna lived by a high moral code, and one of their principles was to marry only for love. One day, the beautiful maiden Niamh of the Golden Hair, one of the Tuatha De Danann approached Oision. She chose him as her lover, and together, they travelled through many strange and wonderful lands until they reached Tir Na-nÓg. Nobody ever grew old or sick in this enchanted land, and Oisin spent 300 years there without looking or feeling a day older! As time passed, Oisin became homesick, Niamh provided him with a fairy horse to take him to visit home, but warned that if he put his foot on the earth, he would never be able to return. Oisin returned to see that much had changed over 300 years! He didn’t like what he saw and decided to return to his beloved Niamh. However, tragedy struck when he slipped from the saddle while helping some men, and fell onto mortal soil, whereupon he was instantly transformed into an old blind man. He eventually died without ever again setting eyes upon Niamh and Tir Na-nÓg.