Irish fairies: Ireland's living folklore

You will find stories of fairies and otherworldly creatures in cultures around the globe. In Ireland, what is perhaps quite unique is that this culture is still very much alive. Many Irish people today are professed believers in the wee folk with not just one but two motorways recently re-routed to leave important fairy sites untouched for fear of their wrath.

Want to know more about Ireland's fairies and how to keep on their good side? Read on for answers to questions like:

1. What are Irish fairies called?
2. Where did Irish fairies come from?
3. What do Irish Fairies look like?
4. Are Irish Fairies real?

What are Irish fairies called?

Irish fairies go by many names depending on where you are in the country and who is doing the talking! Their somewhat official title is Aes Sídhe in gaelic or the Sidhe or Shee, which roughly translates as “the people of the mound.”

But those that don’t want to get on their mischievous or even malevolent side tend to avoid naming them directly and might call them The Good Folk, The Wee Folk, The Gentle People, The Other Crowd, or The Fair Folk.

Some say that the last of these terms, the fair folk, is the origin of the term fairies. But many in Ireland still wouldn't use that term. This is probably for good reason as you will soon find - Irish fairies are far from the dainty and delicate winged creatures of English victorian illustrations or Disney animations.

Where did Irish Fairies come from?

In Ireland, the most commonly held belief is that the Sidhe are the original magical inhabitants of this island, namely the Tuatha De Dannan. These otherworldly beings had god-like powers and magic, and were able to complete fantastic acts of strength, cunning, and craft.

With the coming of humans to Ireland, these magical beings retreated underground to another realm, residing in mounds and fairy forts around the island. They wished to keep to themselves and watch over the land and animals.

But they are also well known for playing tricks on humans who cross their path, for fun or sport, or even to show their superiority. This behavior peaks around Celtic feasts like Lá Bealtaine (May 1st), the Solstice (June 21st), and Samhain (October 31st). At these times, it is said that the barrier between their world and ours is at its thinnest and the Sidhe or fairies are out and looking for mischief.

Still others say Irish fairies are fallen angels that repented just in time before reaching hell and hence reside underground. This explanation seems to sit a little at odds with some of the more malicious behavior that are credited to the Sidhe, but it may be another interesting example of Ireland's hybrid christian and pagan culture.

What do Irish Fairies look like?

Again, this is a harder question than you might think to answer! By their very nature as magical otherworldly tricksters, Irish fairies can take on many different forms. They are very different to what you might imagine, and are not described as having wings of any sort. Some will tell you the Sidhe are the most spellbindingly beautiful people you will ever see.

Others say they look just like you or me and can only be spotted by a wild, otherworldly look in their eye. Still others say they are genuinely wee folk, who look just like you and me but never more than a few feet tall. While others will swear they are awful hideous monsters that would give you the fright of your life.

Three of the most famous Irish fairies that in some way fit these descriptions are Leprechauns, Banshees and the Puca:

Irish Leprechauns

Leprechauns from the gaelic leiprechachán, are not as old as some other Irish spirits, with their first recorded mention in an 8th century poem later transcribed as The saga of Fergus Mac Léti in the 11th century. The origin and meaning of their name is of some debate, but Leprechauns are commonly described as diminutive, standing never more than 2 ft tall and sharply dressed in a suit, waistcoat and hat.

They are notoriously mischievous people and also reportedly skilled cobblers, with anywhere from a single shilling in a purse to heaps of gold buried or stashed in caves. Those that manage to capture an elusive leprechaun are typically tricked into letting them go, sometimes in exchange for three wishes or access to their treasure which then disappears!

With an entire museum dedicated to them in Dublin, Leprechauns remain one of Ireland’s most famous sprites.

The Banshee

The name Banshee comes from the Gaelic bean, meaning woman and sidhe, meaning mound which translates as woman of the mound. In old Irish folklore a Banshee can typically be found near ancient ruins, fairy rings, or graveyards and her wailing cry is a portent of death! The Banshee is the stuff of many Irish children’s nightmares and there are still believers who will look over their shoulder if they hear a cry on the wind.

The Púca

Púca is gaelic for spirit or ghost and can also be written as pooka, phouka. With roots linked to Samhain and the Celts, these unusual creatures are shapeshifters, who can take human form but typically not completely with an animals ears, head or tail.

They are most comfortable in animal form appearing as a horse, cat, dog, hare, bird, fox, wolf, goat, or some odd mixture of several creatures. What unites all descriptions of the Púca is that they are typically dark in color with black hair or fur and glowing eyes.

Feared by many for abducting lone travelers and taking them on terrifying and wild rides across the countryside, the Púca typically never does its captives any real harm and has even been known to be a helpful or protective spirit in some tales. With a dedicated celebration at Samhain, the Púca is associated with the harvest. Any food left in the fields or on fruit trees after November 1st is left for them. Still a controversial creature in Ireland, the Púca remains a spirit that haunts many Irish nightmares!

Are Irish fairies real?

According to folklorist Francis McPolin, as recently as the 1940’s over 60% of over 60’s were proud believers in The Little People. Of the remaining 40%, half believed but were reluctant to admit it.

Growing up in Ireland, most will have heard about fairy forts and trees and many would still be reluctant to do them any harm for fear of what may happen. Nearly every family will have a story of the terrible fate that befell some unfortunate soul who did damage a fairy tree or fort.

And some of Ireland’s most famous writers and poets report encounters with the Sidhe. WB Yeats was a great believer and recorded countless tales of their exploits. Patrick Kavanagh reported in his own work, The Green Fool, that he and his mother were taken by the fairies when he was young.

So again, the answer to this question is not straightforward. Fairies are very real to those who believe in them. And so really the important question to ask is - Do you believe in fairies?