Irish Author Ellen Ryan Casts a Spell in Luxembourg

On Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October 2026, acclaimed Irish author Ellen Ryan visited Luxembourg at the invitation of the Embassy of Ireland; the event was scheduled in the run up to Hallowe'en.

Ellen Ryan is an author and storyteller whose work focuses on Irish mythology, folklore and history, bringing traditional Irish stories to contemporary audiences, particularly young people. 

Chronicle.lu got the opportunity to talk with Ellen Ryan on Monday. She explained that she has published two books of fiction aimed at early teenagers: "Girls Who Slay Monsters" brings mythical goddesses back to life; over time, these stories had been lost, often replaced or rewritten to make room for male warriors and kings; and "Gods Don’t Cry" about ancient gods of Ireland who were once worshipped throughout the land; these ancient tales redefine modern ideas of what it means to be a hero.

She revealed that she works from home, her publisher and agent are based in the UK and that she has a three-book series coming out in May; this October she is busy with the Dublin Book Festival, various library readings and the trip to Luxembourg.

She also works as a freelance journalist, with commissions on topics such as witchcraft and sacred sites.

She recalled that, from a young age, she was interested in Greek mythology and other mythologies, as well as stories from her grandmother which gave her an insight into Irish mythlogy and heritage. She referenced Irish history and pagan beliefs across the country, explaining that in Ireland it is more about the land - the rivers and mountains - compared to stories involving Greek or Norse gods, with Irish fairies decdendant from Irish gods.

In a discussion on the challenges of encouraging children to read nowadays, she said many parents choose books based on nostalgia, and that reading has changed; the writing by authors such as Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl have become dated, both on language used as well as messaging.

Monday 26 October

The Embassy of Ireland organised a Hallowe’en storytelling event for younger members of the community (under 12s). Ellen Ryan brought the stories of Ireland's ancient gods, goddesses, witches and monsters to life for a new generation, retelling myths and legends through a fresh and imaginative lens. 

The storytelling was inspired by the strange, magical and sometimes spooky characters of Irish mythology, with some Hallowe'en goodies along the way...

Tuesday 27 October

St George's International School in Luxembourg-Hamm hosted Ellen Ryan late morning in the main auditorium to present a show for Years 8 and 9 secondary students. 

The school organised a small welcoming party of Irish students and staff to greet the author, as well as Irish Ambassador Jean McDonald, Deputy Head of Mission Caoimhe McCarthy and Presidency Policy Officer Molly Walker, on arrival. 

Ellen Ryan began with a short PowerPoint presentation on the origins of Hallowe'en and Samain traditions and followed it by a shortened reading of one of the Samhain-themed stories from her book, The Story of Nera. 

Those attending enjoyed the Hallowe'en fortune telling (divination) exercise with apples. They also participated in another activity where they worked out which Irish god they would be.