Dobhar-chú facts for kids
| Grouping | Legendary creature |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Lake and river |
| Other name(s) | King Otter |
| Country | Ireland |
| Habitat | Water |
The Dobhar-chú (which means "water dog" or "water hound") is a mysterious creature from Irish folklore. People sometimes call it the King Otter. It looks a bit like a dog and a bit like an otter. Some stories even say it's half dog and half fish! This creature lives in water and has special fur that is said to protect it.
What Does the Dobhar-chú Look Like?
The Dobhar-chú is often described as a giant otter. It's much bigger than a normal otter, maybe around 10 to 15 feet long! Its fur is usually white, but it has black tips on its ears. It also has a black cross shape on its back.
The Story of the Headstone
In a place called Conwall cemetery in Glenade, County Leitrim, there's an old headstone. This stone shows a picture of the Dobhar-chú! It's connected to a famous story about the creature.
The story says that in the 1600s, a local woman was attacked and killed by a Dobhar-chú. This headstone is believed to be her grave marker.
The stone is made of sandstone and is about 4 feet 6 inches long and 1 foot 10 inches wide. It shows an animal that looks like a dog, with strong legs and a deep chest. It has a long, curved tail with a tuft at the end. The carvings on the stone are raised, meaning they stick out from the surface.
See also
- In Spanish: Dobhar-chú for kids
