Some truths about fairies and leprechauns for St. Patrick's Day - VIDEO

The truth? There is no such thing as leprechauns in Ireland so apologies to any would be believers in magical crocks of gold. The whole leprechaun thing was more of a Disney invention that came along with the likes of bad ‘oirish’ accents in films such as ‘Darby O’Gill and the Little People’.....

But fairies....they do exist, Oh yes and here in Ireland we do not mess with the fairies, ever! They are known to live in very special places called fairy rings, which are raised earthen circular mounds that you will see all over Ireland.

You are welcome to visit them, walk around them, make a wish by all means .... But it is thought to be very bad luck to interfere with these mounds. Driving motorways through them, Bad Very Bad....Certain trees are revered too, especially hawthorns which country people will never chop down or remove for fear of disturbing the fairies who often live underneath and who are likely to wreak havoc if disturbed? ie, sour milk, cause crops to fail, animals to sicken and die.....

So don’t say ye haven’t been warned !

No one knows more about fairies in Ireland then Eddie Lenihan a gifted story teller or Seanchai who lives in Clare, you has collected his stories from all over Ireland. This is one of his best....





If you ever get a chance to listen to one of his sessions, dont miss it you will be in for a treat. Or indeed if you are hauled up on a high stool in a pub somewhere, someday, it wont be long before a good story telling session will start?

For more about how St Patricks Day is celebrated in Ireland visit www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/st-patrick.html

Or download the free iPhone app http://itunes.apple.com/ie/app/st-patricks-day/id359998636?mt=8

Author Susan Byron of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/