“You know you will not actually find a leprechaun in Ireland right?”
“Don’t’ be ridiculous! Of course I will at the very least glimpse a wee bearded fellow.”
Hubby grins and begins planning ways to appear he does not recognize me during our travels in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher – Photo credit Tedi Lockwood
“Now if I were a leprechaun I should love a sip of Guinness beer. We might meet one straight away in Dublin at the Guinness factory.”
“Oh yes straight off the hop on hop off bus and sitting on a bar stool I imagine. Maybe Santa Clause will be next to him.” Hubby is seeming less than amused.
“I’m not planning to have so many Guinness that I see the jolly red man. However he does have a way with elves. I bet he could find a leprechaun in a jiffy. That would make a brilliant photo wouldn’t it?”
Hubby walks away shaking his head. Where is his sense of adventure?
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Now on the off chance you don’t know the leprechaun story, the Irish fairy loves mischief. My kind of guy.
Usually liking a quiet life, leprechauns spend time mending shoes and hiding their pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Should you catch a leprechaun, Irish folklore suggests you shall be granted three wishes in exchange for the leprechaun’s freedom.
I have no want to take a leprechaun hostage but I do like the idea of wishing for a sunny day to see the Irish Cliffs of Moher. Perhaps a calm day at sea to be able to sail to Skellig Michael?
Surely a leprechaun would be interested in hiking about an island where Star Wars – The Last Jedi was filmed.
Skellig Michael – Photo credit Tedi Lockwood
With no help from my less than enthusiastic leprechaun finding assistant, tactics for spying a wee man with a mischievous look are in progress.
7 ways to find a leprechaun
- Head to Ireland as there is no other spot on the planet to find a leprechaun. Ready to go!
- Some believe the miniature bearded men live in caves of mountains. Excellent we will watch for caves and hope large bears don’t live with leprechauns. Don’t tell me Ireland doesn’t have bears. Next you will say they don’t have leprechauns either.
- Others believe leprechauns live in the roots of trees. Well that seems like a tight squeeze but while hiking I will keep my eye to the ground.
- Some say leprechauns live near country lanes and have been spotted by cyclists. Although this isn’t a cycling trip perhaps we can rent a bike for the purpose of leprechaun watching.
- Leprechauns can live to be 300 years old. Surely at that age a leprechaun won’t be too speedy in slipping away.
- Leprechauns dress in green frocks with a hat with a big silver buckle on the front. I’m thinking that kind of outfit, no matter how small, may be eye catching.
- If you happen to see a rainbow, look for the black iron pot overflowing with gold coins. The leprechaun will surely be there guarding his treasure. All right not the most likely way to find a leprechaun but good to keep all options open.
Puffins on Skellig Michael. Or is that a leprechaun? Photo credit Tedi Lockwood
Will you be off to Ireland we go to find a leprechaun?
Have the best time Sue & Dave! Keeping my fingers crossed you spot your green elfish guy!
Thanks kindly Lynn. I shall have my eyes straining for a glimpse of a shy leprechaun.
Also, keep your eyes open for a green Elvis guy!
A green Elvis guy you say Emilio? Is that a relative of the leprechaun? 🙂
Lynn above mentioned a green elfish guy, which sounds a lot like “a green Elvis guy” to me. And around here there are so many Elvis impersonators that, you know, maybe in Ireland…?
May you have as great a time as we did. It rained some almost every day, but our leprechaun always had a sunny disposition and knew the best places to explore. He wasn’t in green; he was disguised as our driver, but he was certainly worth a pot of gold.
That made me smile ear to ear. What a great way to think of the magical leprechaun being found in the friendly people of Ireland. Many layers of warm clothes and rain gear are packed as we understand it can be exceptionally damp. Thank you for the good wishes!
Oooh how fun!! That would be a great treasure hunt, trying to spot some leprechauns…will keep an eye for them from here, just in case they escape you Sue..Enjoy your trip! 😉
Sha I like the cooperative attitude. Who knows perhaps leprechauns have turned into international travelers!
I guess we’ll never know until we see one here….hehe 😉
I’ll be waiting to hear about it Sha!
Sounds like the best trip! Love Teddi’s photos. If you do happen to catch a Leprechaun– he can stay here for awhile when you get tired of his shenanigans. He’ll fit right in with us 😉
Opps. Sorry for the misspell, I know Tedi has only one D…
Somehow I can see a leprechaun being very happy with you and your gang Wendy. I’ll see if I can lure one to come back with us.
I am feeling very lucky to have Tedi’s photos in the post. She has been a big help in planning our adventure.
too cute!
This was a fun one to write. 🙂
Have fun and safe travels! I don’t know about the leprechaun, but I’m confident you will have plenty to amuse and amaze you in Ireland!
Thanks for the good wishes Joanne. I think we will have a marvelous time in Ireland even if we don’t spy a leprechaun.
I think so too 🙂
I think your observations on Guiness are correct Sue. The more pints you drink the more leprechauns you are likely to see. Maybe even Dave will become enthusiastic about helping you. 🙂 –Curt
It sounds like a good dose of Guinness is just what we need Curt. I like your line of thinking!
I do have a weakness for Guinness, Sue. And may have even seen a little green man or two in Ireland. 🙂 –Curt
Smiling at the thought of a Guinness or two hoisted in Ireland. Looking forward to trying that for myself and will be waiting the appearance of little green men.:)
My memories of Irish bars, is how slow the Guinness came out of the taps. Be interesting to see if you have a similar experience, Sue.
Yes apparently much caution must be taken in the pouring to get it just right. Deep breaths at the bar. 🙂
Served warm (if they still do), it foams easily. So caution is wise. 🙂
Served cold in our experience here Curt. Still a technique to the pour to be sure.
Must have been in the ‘old days.’ Sigh.
Dang! Just know that I wrote my comment on Facebook before I came and saw this here. Now let me go back to reading.
No problem at all Emilio. I’m happy to have your comments any where any time.
Fun post! I took my parents on a British Isles cruise this summer, and I loved Ireland. Can’t wait to go back. Hopefully next time I’ll see a leprechaun. And less rain…
We have the rain gear and multi layers packed Carrie. Glad to hear you loved the trip in spite of the wet and lack of leprechaun sightings.
It’s a beautiful country. Thanks for the RT on Twitter. ?
My pleasure Carrie!
Boy, I would love to have your life; independently wealthy world travelers. You know what you need? An independent photographer commissioned to document your travels. I should be free by January 1. We can discuss sleeping arrangements at that time.
Haha Emilio. Independently wealthy….must check for that money tree in the backyard. Oh how i wish I had you taking photographs of the adventures. Maybe we can exchange guest accommodations for photography. Good luck with transition plans for the end of the year. Will look forward to hearing more about that.
Thanks, Sue. I’m sure we can work something out. And funny you mention transition. I heard someone today saying they didn’t retired, simply transitioned to something they wanted to do more.
I think that is a perfect way to term it Emilio. A new chapter.
What a beautiful place to travel to! Have a great time, Sue and Dave! 🙂
Thanks for the lovely wishes Amy. It’s long been a dream to see Ireland.
You can always be sure to find a leprechaun in a gift shop Sue but generally in my experience the Irish are trying to shake off this whole leprechaun image.
Not quite the leprechaun I was hoping for Andrew but may have to settle for it. Interesting to hear about the Irish trying to change that image. I will remember that and not be too overpowering in asking locals about the stories.
If you want little people you need to go to Iceland to seek out the . In Ireland stick to Guinness chat!
I definitely recall your posts on the wee elves in Iceland. On the list for sure. I will do my best with sampling the Guinness. 🙂
Sounds lovely, Sue & Dave. Stay safe and learn a lot, you jet-setters, you!
Thanks for the good wishes Leigh. We are meeting Dave’s brother and wife who have already been exploring Ireland. apparently they have a few tips from locals on finding the elusive leprechauns. 🙂
Wish you luck! You’ll never prise him away from that crock of gold but I wish you plenty of rainbows along with the rain, Sue. 🙂 🙂
That is the good thing about all that rain Jo, so many beautiful rainbows. Appreciate the good wishes my friend. Heading off soon.
Have an amazing time there! I agree with the comment above .. .The more pints you drink the more leprechauns you are likely to see 😀 😀
It seems to be unanimous advice in the leprechaun spotting quest. I shall have to take it as truth and do my best. 🙂
Good luck with that one! You might be a tad ambitious but you never know. My family came from Ireland originally and it is a place I have never been so I will be reading your posts with interest. Have a great time.
True this goal may be a bit over zealous Lynn. Well if I do spot a leprechaun I’m sure you will hear my squeal all the way from Australia! We have long wanted to go to Ireland and are really looking forward to it.
Sounds exciting that leprechauns spend time mending shoes and that they hide their pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Never knew that. If I ever travel to Ireland, I’ll remember this beautiful post. After all, who doesn’t want to be granted three wishes in exchange for the leprechaun’s freedom. Lots of luck to you guys 🙂
It’s a wonderful Irtish tale isn’t it? Thank you very much for the good wishes. We shall keep our eyes open and ears listening for the tiny sounds of leprechauns cobbling shoes. 🙂
🙂 All the best, once again.
If anyone can spot a leprechaun, you can Sue! Enjoy your trip ?
Thanks Debbie. At least I would be one to write a tale about the little green fellow. 🙂
Sounds fun, happy and safe travels to you.
Appreciate the good wishes Amy. Thank you!
Have a lot of Guiness, then go find a leprechaun, and if you still can’t find one on the main island maybe you really should make the effort to visit Skellig Michael. Guide you to a leprechaun, I’m sure the Force will. Have a great time you two!
Bama we are booked on a boat trip to Skellig Michael and now all will depend on the weather. If the sea is too rough the trip is cancelled and we are booked on the last day of the season. Fingers crossed. If I were a shy leprechaun it is just the place I would hide out. Thanks kindly for the advice and good wishes.
Thank you kindly Bama. May the force be with us indeed!
😀 Safe travels, and may you stay on the sunny side. I wish you go to see Skellig Michael and tell us about it later.
Thank you Paula. We have our fingers crossed for the Skellig Michael trip.
Wishing you the luck of the Irish in locating your elusive leprechaun, Sue! Should you happen to run across any of my missing ancestors, please give me a holler! Have a wonderful trip (I know you will)! 🙂
Oh I didn’t know you were of Irish ancestry Linda. We have met so many lovely and friendly folks here.
Hmmm, I’m not too sure about Leprechaun Fact #6. These days they probably wear combat boots, skinny jeans, and facial piercings. Enjoy the hunt, though – I’ll look forward to hearing about your adventures!
Oh that made me laugh out loud. It will be extra special if I find that kind of leprechaun.
If you do, I want to see photos! 🙂
Deal!
Good luck spotting a leprechaun (now, that’s a difficult word to spell) and enjoy Ireland. Hopefully, you will have a lot of fun and sun. But, if it does rain, the chances are you will see a rainbow and then, all you have to do is get to one end and find your wee guy! Plus, there is always lots of Guinness to be had and you might see the leprechauns buzzing about your head. 🙂
Love that reasoning Liesbet. I’m with you a positive attitude no matter what. I can already say the Guinness here is delicious and I can see that it might bring on a leprechaun sighting. Agreed I was still using spell check to get that word right. 🙂
Have a ball in Ireland! Wishing you all the best in spotting a leprechaun and if you do, maybe take a photo together 😀 If you do spot a pot of gold, do let us know where it is! Safe travels, best wishes 🙂
I will definitely take lots of photos of leprechauns and pots of gold should I come across them Mabel. Many thanks for the good wishes.
Off on another adventure…wonderful! If anyone can find the elusive leprechaun, it will be you Sue. Have a fabulous time!
I appreciate the vote of confidence LuAnn!
Have a fabulous time!! I await pictures of you and your leprechaun as I have no doubt you will find one or two.
We are having a fabulous time Darlene. No true leprechauns yet but I have caught some of my travel mates attempting to be imposters. They are blaming the Guinness. 🙂
safe travels – and fun leprechaun hunting… 🙂
No leprechauns yet but will continue the quest!
🙂
What a coincidence, I was just yesterday seeing a travel documentary on Ireland and they were talking of the Guinness and they presenter went inside the pub and tasted the beer considered to the best in the world and it has been scientifically proved by experts. Majority of testers have said they enjoyed a pint of plain in Ireland far more than in any other location.
Also, the legend of the Leprechaun is one of the most enduring myths in Ireland and relates to a mystical type of fairy from Irish mythology. This character has been there in the Ireland for over a thousand years and still it evokes the interest and exciting of meeting such mythical characters.
There are so many legendary writers from Ireland (Oscar Wilde to James Joyce) and storytelling is such an integral part of that society that only such great writers can touch that land…
Thanks Sue for sharing and making me more drawn to the place.
😀
Nihar kind thanks for your comment and taking the time to share your own learnings. Now in Ireland I can vouch for the wonderful flavours of Guinness. We have not spotted any leprechauns but it is a fabulous tale from Irish mythology to be sure.
Funny you mention Oscar Wilde as today we saw Trinity College where he went to university!
Indeed Sue, I would love to visit that place as I am big fan of Oscar Wilde and yes of course stories and that’s a country with so much of fairy tales to legends to mythical stories, I understand people there really love to tell tales and all around there are storytellers. You will spot the leprechauns…
😀
Definitely on the look out!
Oh how absolutely wonderful to be setting off for Ireland, Sue. I hope you and Dave have a fantastic adventure. And I hope you find a leprechaun, but I’m thinking you might not, in which case those puffins and the beauty of the Emerald Isle will be equally as glorious. Enjoy that Guinness, mmmm.
Jet we have been in Ireland a day and a half and have fallen in love with it and the people. So friendly and many takes of the wee leprechauns. Hoping to see the puffins on Skellig Michael should the weather cooperate. The Guinness is delicious!
Ohhhh, sounds like great fun already, Sue. Cheers!
We are having a fabulous time in Ireland that is for certain Jet.
I am delighted, absolutely delighted, to hear it Sue…and I am not surprised. A tip of the Guinness to you both. 🙂
Kinda hilarious Sue, I think I would love travelling with you afterall, I’ve been on the hunt for the so called mythical unicorn all my life!!! You gotta tell us where you find one, I hold the faith for you friend 🙂
Now wouldn’t you look if I found a leprechaun riding a unicorn Anna! I shall keep my eyes wide open for either of those two. 🙂
Hehe hope you find one 🙂
Thanks Joshi. Still on the hunt. 🙂
Ooohh, have fun! It’s been a while since we’ve been there, but it’s got such a misty, boggy charm!
Lexie we have been here almost a week and are totally in love with the country and the people. I know we will be back to explore more.
Have a great trip and happy leprechaun hunting!!
Thanks so much Kirt. We are having a marvelous time.
Can’t wait to see your posts!!!!!
Thank You for tips to find Leprechauns! In Finland, we have Sauna elves (elf is said to inhabit the sauna and punish those who misbehave in it). LOL.
Have a good day!
Oh I like the idea of being on the hunt for sauna elves. Hopefully one day we can come to Finland in search of them. 🙂
An Irish adventure, now that’s exciting. I am very late in my response to your post but it’s uncanny too how life plays out. Just yesterday I was sharing with someone that I was keen to visit Cornwall and be buffeted by the winds on the coast and they asked if I had been to Ireland. More specifically they said I should go and visit the Cliffs of Mohar. Now I see why. I am captivated by your picture here.
Have a wonderful time Guys. I always remember wondering how lucky the person be who found that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I gave no thought to the idea Leprechauns might not like steamy Australia.
Well I very much like the idea of you thinking about a trip to Canada! Do keep us posted on that. The photo from the Cliffs of Moher is my talented daughter in law’s but now we too have visited them. I did practically blow off the cliffs but oh my hat an astounding place it was. As to leprechauns in Australia es I think they might get a we sweaty with their felt outfits.
Lol. I imagined it might be a wee windy atop those black cliffs. Oh, and I totally agree, felt and the humid Australian summer don’t go nicely on skin.?? I am looking forward to your detailed accounts of your Irish adventure Sue.
Are you coming down my way? If I find a leprechaun I’ll keep him for you!
Susan we are in NewCastle West until Monday morning and then to Killarney for a conference. If you find a leprechaun hold tight. 🙂
Looks like Team Travel Tales are having a wonderful time in Ireland. Loving your photos! I hope you find a leprechaun or three or four 🙂
This is such a magical … and funny post…. I enjoyed the intro very much… Are those “elves” (lepecharuns) the same ones that we tend to see during St Patrick´s day?… Just wondering… I love the mythology surrounding these special creatures, Lovely post dear Suye. Hugs 😀
Yes they are one in the same my dear. We didn’t see any in Ireland but had great fun looking.
You can never trust a leprechaun.