Buzz
Leprechaun legends are thought to have originated in Ireland, but as March approaches in the United States, you’ll notice countless little men in green attire. With St. Patrick’s Day being a major holiday, it's also the perfect excuse to wear green—and avoid being pinched by others!
From the tales of leprechauns bringing luck to the iconic pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, these mischievous creatures are everywhere. They’ve graced TV screens, grinned from cereal boxes, and are celebrated (and poked fun at) by Irish-Americans and people of all backgrounds.
However, the legend of the leprechaun stretches far beyond just a spring holiday, with a much deeper history than you might think. In this article, we’ll explore ten intriguing facts about these little beings, uncovering their origins, tales, and lasting influence. Ready to find out what you didn’t know about them?
10. Did Leprechauns Really Settle in Ireland?
Legend has it that leprechauns were already in Ireland long before humans from the British Isles and other places arrived. Unlike humans, these creatures are said to be fairies, distinct in both their biological nature and temperament. They didn’t migrate to Ireland like humans did; they were already there.
According to the myth, they came from a family known as the “Tuatha Dé Danann,” a group of magical beings created to serve the goddess Danu, a prominent Gaelic spirit who ruled over the land.
These leprechauns were brought into existence to carry out her will, protect her domain, and manage her legacy on Earth. Thus, they existed in Ireland long before humans arrived. When humans finally discovered the land and tried to settle it, they allegedly encountered a group of leprechauns who had been there all along, diligently fulfilling Danu’s commands.
From the very beginning, leprechauns had more than just a playful reputation. With the goddess's support, they had claim to the land that would later become known as Ireland!
9. The Leprechaun Proof in Carlingford
In 1989, an Irish businessman claimed to have discovered undeniable proof of leprechauns' existence. His story began when he heard a scream coming from deep within a wishing well. Upon investigating, he supposedly found gold coins, a miniature suit, and some bones—evidence of a very small creature that had died in the well.
Stunned, he quickly concluded that these unusual findings could only mean one thing: leprechauns were real! Like any seasoned fairy hunter, he carefully preserved the evidence he uncovered in a glass case to showcase it as undeniable proof. That way, any skeptics would be left with no choice but to accept the cold, hard facts!
He then established an annual tradition where people gather to search for leprechauns in Carlingford. It’s said that leprechauns reside in a fairy cave on a sloped hill, and during the “leprechaun hunt,” visitors roam the hills, discovering over 100 hidden ceramic leprechauns.
To participate in the event, visitors must purchase a “hunter’s license,” which costs a few pounds. This clever businessman figured out a way to charge for the experience. The hunt has since grown into a beloved annual event in Carlingford, drawing leprechaun seekers from far and wide who search for leprechauns, gold bars, and more proof of the magical creatures' existence in Ireland.
8. No Women Allowed!
There are no female leprechauns in the ancient tales. Historical texts that have chronicled leprechaun folklore for centuries, such as Fairy Legends and Traditions from the South of Ireland, written by Thomas Crofton Croker in 1825, make no mention of female leprechauns ever existing in the human world.
Some believe that leprechauns are actually male fairies who were cast out from their fairy communities for various reasons. Once banished, they were forced to spend their existence in Ireland, in all-male leprechaun colonies.
Another version of the legend suggests that leprechauns weren’t exiled for any wrongdoing. Instead, they were simply the unwanted male offspring of fairy societies, discarded and sent to live apart from the communities that were meant to care for them. It’s quite a sad tale, don’t you think?
In either case, there are two possibilities for how leprechauns maintain their population after being exiled. They may (a) mate with females of other species, supposedly creating more leprechauns, or (b) wait for other exiled fairies to help keep their numbers up. Either way, this fact certainly makes you see leprechauns in a new, more sympathetic light, doesn’t it?
7. Channeling Santa’s Spirit
Leprechauns are often pictured in green attire, but that hasn’t always been the case. In fact, for centuries, they were depicted wearing red. According to Irish folklore, these tiny, mischievous shoemakers were often described as hiding pots of gold at the ends of rainbows—an image that still persists today. Interestingly, their clothing was originally bright red, which made it easier for them to spot each other, unlike the green we associate with them now.
Consider Samuel Lover’s 1831 work Legends and Stories of Ireland, where he describes leprechauns in strikingly red attire. Lover notes that leprechauns sported square-cut coats adorned with golden trims, paired with bright red hats and large black buckles on their belts and shoes. This red-clad image of leprechauns might remind you more of Santa Claus than the modern version we think of today, don’t you think?
Lover wasn’t the only one to depict leprechauns this way. Other writers throughout the centuries described these playful and energetic little fairies in similar terms, always donning three-cornered hats and vivid red clothing. It wasn’t until the late 19th century when Irish poet William Allingham—who passed away at the turn of the century—wrote a famous poem about leprechauns dressed in green that the iconic green look became the norm.
One major reason for the change in attire might be to align leprechauns with Irish customs and national symbols. By the late 19th century, the color green had become strongly associated with Ireland, so it makes sense that leprechauns would start wearing it too. Alternatively, if you’re feeling playful, perhaps they switched to green to blend in with the lush grass of the Irish countryside!
6. The Dutch Have Leprechauns, Too!
Interestingly, leprechauns are not exclusive to Irish folklore. Many cultures around the world have similar legends and stories from their ancient histories. For instance, in Hawaii, the Menehune are believed to be small, secretive dwarf-like beings. These Menehune are said to live in the remote rainforest jungles, far from human interference, quietly going about their lives.
But the Irish aren’t the only ones who believe in tiny, fairy-like beings. In fact, there’s a culture much closer to Ireland that holds a similar belief about these miniature creatures!
In the Netherlands, there’s a legend of small gnomes called ‘kabouters’ who bear a striking resemblance to the Irish leprechauns. These Dutch gnomes are said to be very small and covered in hair, living underground in self-dug holes on sloping hills. They are known to be solitary and, at times, even a bit vengeful!
According to legend, these kabouters enjoy spying on humans, and if a human dares to watch them in return, the kabouters will take revenge. Just like the traditional image of leprechauns before they started wearing green, kabouters are often shown in bright red suits with pointy red hats. Quite a few similarities, wouldn’t you say?
5. Holding the Purse Strings
In folklore, leprechauns are considered the bankers of the fairy world. While they’re primarily known for their shoemaking skills, they also play an important role in the mythical economy. Their shoes are crafted and then distributed to other fairies across the land, allowing the leprechauns to earn money and thrive in their tiny but bustling economy.
Sounds simple enough, right? And since fairies are known for their love of dancing and merriment, they constantly need new shoes from their cobblers. That’s a great way for leprechauns to make a living. But what’s fascinating is that leprechauns don’t just rely on shoe making to fill their pockets—they have other, more lucrative ways to make money, too!
According to legend, leprechauns are the ones who control the financial flow in the fairy world. It’s no surprise that they are often depicted as lucky, with those iconic pots of gold. The gold is said to be their personal bank reserve, which they carefully distribute to fairies in need.
Leprechauns are known to be very cautious with their wealth, doling out a few coins here and there—always with the expectation of repayment. The legend claims that this careful safeguarding of gold became especially important centuries ago when Danish marauders arrived on Ireland’s shores in search of treasure. The leprechauns cleverly hid their pots of gold, evaded the aggressive Danes, and took measures to protect their valuable assets for all time!
4. The Smallest Leprechaun Colony Ever
In 1946, Dick Fagan returned to Oregon after serving in World War II. He started working as a reporter for the Oregon Journal, covering local news, politics, and events around Portland. His new role was about gathering the latest happenings, but little did anyone know that Fagan’s story would take an unexpected turn.
That might have been the end of the story, but Fagan was not content with just reporting the news. He had a creative streak, and a few years later, he came up with an idea when he saw a small block of concrete in Portland. This block had once been the base for a light pole, but with the pole gone, grass had started to grow in the spot. Fagan saw potential in the tiny patch of land.
Fagan decided to write newspaper columns about a leprechaun named Patrick O’Toole, who supposedly lived in this tiny, cement-surrounded grassy area. According to Fagan’s columns, O’Toole was a very small man, and he had a whole colony of leprechauns living nearby. The details were, of course, entirely fabricated, but Fagan built an entire story around O’Toole’s little world. Over time, he added flowers and decorations around the concrete block—and even created a sign for the area.
It was a whimsical tale, but it captured the public’s imagination. The leprechaun story quickly became a beloved part of Portland’s culture. By 1976, despite the minuscule size of the location, it was officially recognized as a city park.
In the years following, others have continued Fagan’s playful legacy, adding more leprechaun-themed touches to the park. The city has moved the tiny park a few times to accommodate construction projects, but the area—now officially known as Mill Ends Park—continues to endure into the 21st century.
3. Leprechaunism Is a Disorder
Believe it or not, there’s a rare condition named after leprechauns that affects infants. This disorder, also called Donohue syndrome, relates to insulin resistance. Essentially, a small number of babies are born with insulin resistance, making it difficult for them to gain weight and causing very slow and risky growth. Infants with this disorder also experience low muscle mass and dangerously low levels of body fat as they develop.
This disorder is so uncommon that it has been confirmed in only about 50 cases worldwide, as recorded in medical literature. In fact, the occurrence of this disorder is so rare that describing it as a one-in-a-million chance doesn’t even fully capture its rarity.
Despite its rarity, leprechaunism can have serious effects on the endocrine system and can lead to dangerous growth delays. This makes it a major concern for doctors, who take it very seriously. To reduce any potentially negative or stigmatizing associations with leprechauns, medical professionals have also started referring to the condition by its alternative name, Donohue syndrome.
2. The Law Loves Leprechauns!
When surveys about leprechauns are conducted across Ireland, about one-third of the population reports believing that they are real. This number shifts slightly over time, but it's entirely possible that some respondents are simply joking or trolling the survey takers by claiming that leprechauns exist deep within the hillsides.
Despite this, the fact that so many Irish people continue to support the idea that leprechauns are real has created a bit of a dilemma for lawmakers when it comes to defining human (or fairy) rights. In 2009, 236 'surviving leprechauns' were granted legal protection under the European Habitats Directive, just as endangered species or rare habitats would be.
In particular, the European Union protected the caverns of Slieve Foye mountain when they were granted heritage status. These caverns are believed to house at least 236 leprechauns, who remain hidden from humans as much as possible. While the law also protects the natural flora and fauna in the area, it’s certainly amusing to imagine the EU ensuring the safety of its leprechaun population!
1. Don’t Fence ‘Em In!
In 1958, workers in Ireland were assigned the task of building a high fence to enclose a specific section of the hilly countryside. The task seemed like a simple one, and the workers had completed similar jobs many times before. However, there was one major issue: They believed the area they were enclosing was home to leprechauns.
The workers were opposed to constructing the tall fence because they feared it would trap the supposed leprechauns, preventing them from accessing food, water, and living their fairytale existence. More than 20 workers protested the fence-building effort, insisting the land around the area should remain undisturbed and protected, as it was believed to be the home of these mythical creatures.
The president of Ireland at the time, Éamon de Valera, found himself in a tough situation over whether or not to penalize the workers. Supporters of the leprechaun legend argued that 'the land is a fairy palace and must not be desecrated.' Of course, it could also be that the workers simply didn't feel like working that day and used the leprechaun excuse to avoid their task.
While it’s possible the workers used the leprechaun story as an excuse, we prefer to think they genuinely believed in the presence of these magical beings. Their disobedience, then, takes on a more noble and righteous tone in their bold refusal to build the fence.
