Fairy beliefs are particularly strong in Celtic Europe and Britain, and especially so in Ireland. Fairies are said to possess magical powers and the ability to cast spells; in Celtic lore, they are frequently identified with witches or said to be their familiars, or their tutors in magical arts.
They are believed to steal unprotected human children and leave their own in place (changeling). In order to stay in the good graces of "the little people", "the good people", and "the good neighbors", as they are called, humans are to keep clean houses and leave out food and drink.
In Celtic lore, ancient burial sites such as tumuli, dolmens, menhirs, and megaliths are haunted by fairies and other beings. It is the fairies' custom, according to lore, to come out and dance circular dances at these sights on moonlit nights. Stories of sightings of such revelries continue into modern times
