The Táin Bó Cúailnge stands at the heart of the 8th-century Ulster Cycle, a collection of heroic tales from early Irish literature.

This epic recounts the story of Cúchulainn, the Hound of Ulster, who single-handedly defends his province against the armies of Connacht’s king and queen, Ailill and Medb. Their aim? To claim the prized Brown Bull of Cúailnge, sparking one of the most celebrated battles in Irish myth.

Thomas Kinsella’s acclaimed translation draws from partial texts found in two medieval manuscripts, supplemented by elements from other versions. His work also incorporates a series of related stories that set the stage for the central action of The Táin, offering readers a fuller understanding of its complex narrative and characters.

This edition is further enriched by the evocative brush drawings of Louis le Brocquy, blending medieval epic with modern artistry. The combination of Kinsella’s poetic translation and le Brocquy’s striking illustrations creates a timeless rendition of one of Ireland’s greatest mythological works.

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