Each Irish village had a Seanchai, a person whose specialty was recounting memories. There were no written records in olden days. This may account for the many variations in stories. Not every Seanchai had a perfect memory. 

Their tales were traditionally told to a group of people gathered around the fire.

The proverbs and sayings contain more than a grain of truth and wisdom. I will change these from time to time. Enjoy.

Little Celtic Gems to help you everyday.

True greatness knows gentleness.  

When wrathful words arise a closed mouth is soothing.  

Have a mouth of ivy and a heart of holly. 

A silent mouth is musical.  

Associate with the nobles, but be not cold to the poor and lowly.  

A constant guest is never welcome.  

A short visit is best, and that not too often, even to the house of a friend.  

Blind should be the eyes in the abode of another.  

A man with loud talk makes truth itself seem folly.

It is difficult to soothe the proud.  

The peacemaker is never in the way.  

No heat like that of shame.  

No pain like that of refusal.  

No sorrow like the loss of friends.  

Death is a poor man's best physician.  

A hound's tooth, a thorn in the hand, and a fool's retort are the tree sharpest things of all.  

How many mourn the want of possessions; yet the strong, the brave, and the rich, all go to the grave at last; like the poor, and the emaciated, and the infant.  

Conversation is the cure for every sorrow. Even contention is better than loneliness.  

It is sad to have no friend, sad to have unfortunate children; sad to have only a poor hut; but sadder to have nothing good or bad. 

Praise youth, and it will advance to success.  

If the head cannot bear the glory of the crown, better be without it.  

Face the sun, but turn your back to the storm.  

Without money fame is dead.  

He who is up is extolled; he who is down is trampled on.  

Reputation is more enduring than life.  

Drinking is the brother of robbery.  

Character is better than wealth.  

The lake is not encumbered by the swan; nor the steed by the bridle; nor the sheep by the wool; nor the man by the soul that is in him.  

Falling is easier than rising.  

A foot at rest means nothing.  

Cleverness is better than strength.  

Have sense, patience, and self-restraint, and no mischief will come.  

Idleness is a fool's desire.  

The tree remains, but not the hand that planted it.  

A heavy purse makes a light heart.  

Better April showers than the breadth of the ocean in gold.

A meeting in the sun is lucky, and a burying in the rain.

Good fortune often abides with a fool.  

There is no joy without affliction.  

Better a good run than a long standing.