Happy St Patrick's Day

The Irish Leprechaun Story

The Leprechaun is one of Ireland’s most famous characters from Irish folklore who have become renowned all over the world. The mischievous Leprechaun has captured the imagination of millions of people over the years and there are tales from some of how they’ve sighted these wee folk in the Irish countryside.

What is a Leprechaun?

The Leprechaun is part of Irish mythology and folklore that fall under the topic of the Faerie folk, also known as wee folk or the little people. They are members of the Tuatha Dé Danann who invaded Ireland and were banished to live under ground.

Standing 2-3 feet tall Leprechauns are a devious character who are quick witted, highly intelligent, and will do anything to evade capture from humans.

As a cousin of the Clurichaun, the Leprechaun is known to inhabit Ireland before the arrival of the Celts and can survive hundreds of years. Some consider Leprechauns to be the true natives of Ireland who are descended from Irish royalty.

Where do Leprechauns live?

The Leprechaun can only be found in Ireland, in rural areas away from the general population. Burrowed deep in underground caves with entrances hidden as rabbit holes or found in a hallow trunk of a Fairy tree they find safety away from humans who seek to capture them to be granted 3 wishes.

 The Leprechaun is well known for their love of Irish music and traditional dance. They’ll often hold Celi’s that can last for days. They are expert musicians when it comes to playing the tin whistle, the fiddle, Bodhrán, and even the Irish harp.

Catching one of the wee folk is no easy task and it’s often discouraged. They’re quick, smart, and have magically powers to vanish into thin-air but they can be caught. It’s believed that if you’re lucky enough to catch a Leprechaun he’ll grant you 3 wishes to be released but be careful, making the wrong wish could result in a life time of bad luck.

People do tell stories of their experiences in catching a Leprechaun and getting their 3 wishes granted but be cautious of such claims, people tend to tell fibs and how they’ve caught them.

What is a Fairy Tree?

A Fairy tree is usually a Hawthorn or an Ash tree but what makes them stand out from any other tree of its kind is their location. A Fairy tree is found standing by itself in the cneter of a field or on the side of the road and they’re quite easy to spot, if you know what you are looking for. Some of these trees have stones surrounding its base for protection but who put them there? The locals or the wee folk?

Have a lucky day!!