["The Smartest Man in Ireland" is an] exhilarating adventurefantasy with real Irish flavor in the phrasing; and imagination, humor, gaiety and some underlying sadness in the fabric. Patrick and his neighbors have no doubts about the existence of the "Good People." Everyone who reads the book will know what to do when he encounters these not-so-admirable Celtic fairies.

Ethna Sheehan, "Books for Young Readers: 'The Smartest Man in Ireland'," in The New York Times Book Review (© 1965 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), November 28, 1965, p. 46.