Máiréad, The Selkie Queen – Irish Mythology YA Fantasy Novel

Máiréad, The Selkie Queen - YA fantasy novel based on Irish selkie mythology by Jennifer RJ Ryan

Máiréad, The Selkie Queen is an Irish mythology YA fantasy that follows a young woman’s journey to discover her true heritage beneath the waves. The only authentic selkie YA fantasy currently being written in 2026, based on genuine Irish mythology research. Set in 1800s Ireland as well as the mythological selkie world of legends, this Celtic fantasy novel weaves authentic Irish folklore with a compelling coming-of-age story about belonging, identity, and the power of choice.

In this selkie fantasy story, Máiréad discovers she’s the rightful heir to an underwater throne and, guided by ancient Celtic magic and the mysterious silver chain with pearls that marks her royal bloodline, she decides to return to the world she never knew existed but has been her legacy since birth. Alongside her friend Liam, an orphan gifted with The Sight, a traditional skill rooted in authentic Irish folklore, she must navigate both the human and selkie worlds to reach her ultimate goal, finding the place she belongs.

A Celtic Tale of Heritage and Belonging

When Máiréad discovers the silver chain with pearls that marks her as the rightful Selkie Queen, her quiet life in 1800s Ireland transforms forever. Raised by her human grandmother, she must navigate between two worlds, the familiar shores of her childhood and the mysterious underwater realm of her birthright. This is a story about finding your true identity when everything you thought you knew about yourself changes.

Read the full story →Máiréad’s Story page

Meet Máiréad and Liam

Máiréad is no ordinary selkie, she’s the rightful heir to an underwater throne, guided by ancient Celtic magic and the mysterious silver chain with pearls that marks her royal bloodline. Raised with love by her adoptive human grandmother, she must discover her true heritage while keeping her agency and freedom.

Liam, an orphaned boy with ‘The Sight’, a gift rooted in Irish folklore and history, becomes her friend and trusted companion. With his developing clairvoyant powers and his skills as a craftsman, Liam helps Máiréad navigate both the human and selkie worlds as their friendship deepens.

Authentic Celtic Folklore and Magic

Every element of Máiréad’s world is rooted in genuine Irish mythology and folklore. The Selkie Court operates under a matriarchal succession system based on real Irish cultural patterns, while magical artifacts like the Merrow Mirror and the significance of ‘The Sight’ reflect Irish folklore and beliefs. This isn’t pure fantasy inspired by Irish culture, it’s Irish mythology brought to life for modern readers.

1800s Ireland: Where Legend Meets Reality

Set against the rugged coastlines and mystical landscapes of mid-to-late 1800s Ireland, Máiréad’s story unfolds in a world where ancient magic still whispers through the mists. From the windswept cliffs where selkies emerge from the waves to the cozy cottage where her grandmother shares old stories, every location is steeped in authentic Irish atmosphere.

This is Ireland during a time of great change, where old traditions still held power and the boundary between the mortal world and the realm of the Tuatha Dé Danann remained thin. The perfect backdrop for a young woman discovering she belongs to two worlds.

Join the Selkie Secrets: Weekly Irish Mythology

Dive deeper into the authentic Irish folklore behind Máiréad’s world. Get weekly emails exploring selkie legends, Celtic magic, and the real mythology that inspired this story. From sacred wells to ancient bloodlines, discover the rich heritage that brings this fantasy to life.

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Jennifer RJ Ryan, YA fantasy author and teacher with curly hair and glasses smiling at the camera

Jennifer RJ Ryan-YA Fantasy Author

I’m a teacher by day, a writer at night, and neurodivergent all the time. Very little makes me happier than coming up with a new story. Creating the characters, the setting, the plot…every piece of it makes me want to stay up writing all night long.

Máiréad, The Selkie Queen

-Finishing in the Fall of 2026-

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Frequently asked questions continued… The second most frequently asked question I get is, ‘With a world of mythological creatures available, why choose to write about selkies?’ I mean, aside from the obvious…they are amazing. They are also a very intriguing part of ocean lore. You have a creature who can live in the ocean and on land, and they have the ability to communicate in both spaces. Essentially, the possibilities are endless. 🌊🦭👑💙🩵💚 MMáiréadTheSelkieQueenYYAFantasybbeachgirlwwritertokr#readersoftiktok

♬ Dream Maker – Muspace Lofi

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