10 fun facts about leprechauns!

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​I love the month of March for two reasons—spring and St. Paddy’s Day. Most years, I try to find some cerebral topic to write about for St. Paddy’s Day as a way to embrace my own Irish heritage respectfully…but this year, I thought we’d just have a little fun! No sense in taking ourselves too seriously, right?

This year’s topic is fun facts about the little green men. No, not aliens…Leprechauns!

What do you know about those little green goblins called leprechauns? Today, I thought I’d give you ten fun facts you can share at that St. Paddy’s Day party! 

Red leprechauns??

Believe it or not, leprechauns were not always dressed in green. A couple hundred years ago, leprechauns in traditional Irish folklore wore red jackets and knickers with a tri-cornered red hat. What we know as the jolly little man wearing green with a red beard is a fairly recent development.

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Little dudes

In Irish lore, leprechauns are almost always little men with withered faces. They are known for their diminutive size (in most cases), and there are no female leprechauns!

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Crafty little dudes!

Many Irish folk stories depict leprechauns as craftsmen, usually shoemakers. They are very good at making and repairing things. These guys have no problem working with their hands!

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Hidden homes

According to popular lore, leprechauns like to live in dark, out-of-the-way places like caves, tree trunk hollows, or basements (especially wine cellars). Out of sight, out of mind!

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Treasure hoarding

Leprechauns are only one of many fairy folk known to collect and guard coins and treasure. This is deeply rooted in the mythology and folk tales across Europe.

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Tricksters

Leprechauns are known to be shrewd tricksters who use human greed to fool those who want their gold. Keep your eyes on this little man if you want his gold, but know he will trick you by any means necessary! This mischievous fairy has fun inflicting low-level harm and practical jokes, so beware!

Three wishes!

If you are lucky enough to catch a leprechaun, you’re mighty crafty yourself! Now, set him free so you get your three wishes!

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Ancient gods

Leprechauns are considered fairies or one of the many beings from the mythical people in Irish mythology called the Tuatha de Danann. These were said to have once been a real race of people conquered and banished to the ancient mounds to live for eternity. Leprechauns could be a modern relic of one of their important Celtic deities, the sun god Lugh.

Water sprites?!

Alternatively, leprechauns could be descended from the ancient water sprites. Many folk tales from various parts of Ireland mention names of fairy folk that seem similar in the ancient Irish language to various versions of the word leprechaun. 


Protected by EU law? Seriously!

And I’ll leave you with the strangest one of all…

There is actually a place in Ireland said to be inhabited by many leprechauns—the caverns of Carlington Mountain. And—believe it or not—this place is actually protected by EU law! The leprechauns are an important part of the local ecosystem! Yes, seriously!


So that’s it! Ten fun facts about leprechauns. You’re welcome. Now, go enjoy that green beer!

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​Related blogs you may want to read:
A brief history of the Irish shamrock
Celebrating Irish Celtic art for St. Patrick’s Day
Who are the Irish fairies?

Sources:
​https://www.celtic-weddingrings.com/celtic-resources/myth-of-the-leprechaun
https://www.worldhistory.org/Leprechaun/
https://www.connollycove.com/leprechauns/
https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/history-of-leprechauns-trickster-fairies/