Folklore is the study of life and tradition, in Ireland and elsewhere, in the past and in the present. It is both old and new, and is found on the Internet as well as on the lips of the traditional storyteller.

It deals with life from the cradle to the grave, from the gothic to the romantic. It covers people's everyday lives and explores their pastimes and festivals, their customs and beliefs. It also helps us to appreciate and value cultures, identities and traditions different from our own.

The Chinese celebration of New Year in Ireland, for example, is of interest to the Irish folklorist today just as much as the indigenous celebration of Hallowe'en.

In Stage 1, you receive a broad introduction to the nature and context of folklore. Particular attention is paid to its aesthetic and imaginative aspects, as found in oral narrative. In Stages 2 and 3, specific types of folklore are examined in greater detail and students get the opportunity to see how folklore works and functions, at individual and societal levels.

In order to progress to Stage Two, students must have passed both Irish Folklore modules offered at Stage One.