Dracula In the Irish Legends

Count Dracula is the most iconic vampire and ruler of Transylvania. He is the one who popularized the famous night dweller bloodsuckers (aka. vampires). What is less common knowledge is his origin. Who is this guy anyway!? The legend of Count Dracula is actually inspired by the cruel ruler of Wallachia (before it was known as Romania), Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler. Nothing to add, his nickname is self-explanatory about what type of guy he was. Let’s set aside this renowned character to focus on a similar one that you may not know about yet.

The Irish have their own version of Dracula under the form of the Dearg Due. She was a woman, tortured daily by her father and husband, who eventually committed suicide. She was buried near Strongbow’s Tree in Waterford. When night came around, she rose from her grave and killed her husband and father by sucking their blood. Ever since that day, she rises once a year, at night, to lure unsuspecting men to their death, using her beauty. Yeah, I know. This story may not be as impressive as a bloodthirsty king who impaled people left and right while taking his lunch like it was going out of fashion. However, it’s good to know all the same if you happen to visit Ireland!