Which Irish god is associated with love and youth?

The Irish god associated with love and youth is Aengus, also known as Óengus or Aengus Óg. He belongs to the Tuatha Dé Danann, the supernatural people at the heart of Irish mythology.

Aengus is traditionally described as the son of the Dagda and Boann, goddess of the River Boyne. His epithet Mac Óg means “young son” or “son of youth,” reflecting his connection with youthful beauty, desire, summer, and poetic inspiration. He is often associated with Brú na Bóinne, the sacred landscape surrounding Newgrange.

One of his best-known stories is The Dream of Óengus. He falls in love with a girl seen in a dream and searches for her across Ireland. She proves to be Caer Ibormeith, a woman who changes into a swan every second Samhain. Aengus identifies her and transforms himself into a swan so they can fly away together.

Aengus is sometimes confused with Lugh or the Dagda, but those gods have broader associations with skill, kingship, and sovereignty rather than Aengus’s distinctive youthful and romantic role.