The Dobhar-Chú, The Monstrous “King Otter” With A Taste For Human Flesh
Wikimedia CommonsThe Dobhar-chú, an Irish folklore creature known as the “water hound.”
The Dobhar-chú, also known as the “water hound” or the “King Otter,” is a uniquely terrifying creature from Irish folklore said to lurk in the country’s lakes and rivers. Often described as a cross between a dog and an otter — or sometimes, as a half-dog, half-fish creature — the Dobhar-chú is massive, measuring anywhere from 7 to 15 feet long, depending on the story.
This formidable predator is known for its voracious appetite. And it just so happens to prefer human flesh. Given its size, it has no trouble dragging its victims underwater, drowning them, and then devouring their bodies.
The Dobhar-chú is extremely difficult to kill, and often comes in pairs. It is said that when one of these water hounds is slain, it will let out a piercing cry, signaling to its mate to come and avenge it.
While stories of Dobhar-chú encounters are rare, there have been alleged sightings as recent as 2000. However, the most famous example dates to 1722.
As the story goes, a woman by the name of Grace McLoughlin — or Grace Connolly, her maiden name — was washing clothing at the edge of Glenade Lake in County Leitrim when the Dobhar-chú suddenly emerged and pulled her under the water. As the Leitrim Observer reports, by the time her husband, Terence, found her along the shore, Grace was dead, and the monster was lying asleep across her bloodied body.
Terence managed to kill the beast, but as he drove his dagger into it, its whistle-like cries summoned another, which burst forth from the lake to attack Terence. The second creature chased him for several miles until he finally managed to slice through its neck, killing it.
Though most of this story is likely just legend, there is actually a gravestone bearing the name “Grace Connolly” near Glenade Lake. A carved illustration on her gravestone depicts the Dobhar-chú being struck with a blade.
