Cessair

In Irish mythology, Cessair (or Ceasair) was the leader of the first inhabitants of Ireland before the Biblical deluge.

She was daughter of Noah's son Bith and his wife Birren, and one of the 18 wives of Fintan.

According to legend, when her father was denied a place in the ark by Noah, Cessair advised him to build an idol. This idol advised them that they could escape the Deluge in a ship. They sailed for more than seven years before landing in Ireland. She and her tribe of followers landed in Ireland three hundred years before Partholon and forty days before the deluge. Only Fintan survived, and that by turning into a salmon.

Preceded by none

Mythical invasions of Ireland

Succeeded by Partholon