In the heart of county Galway, nestled near the Atlantic coast of Ireland, there is a lake known as Lough Corrib. The lake is steeped in tales and legends, with one story in particular concerning a man by the name of Donal O’Flaherty. He was a chieftain and known for his rowdy behaviour, wilful spirit, and a heart filled with an insatiable curiosity. The tale goes that one moonlit night, after a feast in his castle, O’Flaherty took a solitary walk by the glittering shores of Lough Corrib. In the shimmering reflection of the moonlight, he saw something unusual. It appeared to him as a strange creature, half-human and half-fish, combing its long, seaweed-like hair with a golden comb. Overcome by desire for the golden comb, the chieftain jumped into the lake, grappling with the creature in an attempt to claim his prize. Moments later, the waters settled and O’Flaherty was nowhere to be seen. It is said that the lake claimed him as her own, a price for disturbing her serenity. Years passed, and tales circulated of a ghostly figure walking along the shores of Lough Corrib, forever seeking his golden prize. These stories of O’Flaherty and the lake encapsulate the spirit of mystery and enchantment that veils the Irish countryside. This tale is still passed down among the people of Galway, adding a sprinkle of mystique to the tranquil surroundings of Lough Corrib.