Leprechaun Museum Opens In Ireland: St.Patrick's Day Opening

by Yuliya Talmazan | March 17, 2010 at 08:11 am

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Leprechaun Museum Opens Its Doors In Ireland On St. Patrick's Day

Very fittingly the world's first-ever leprechaun museum opened on St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland.

The National Leprechaun Museum offers its users to "step into another world" by exploring what it feels like to be a leprechaun. Irish folklore has it that leprechauns are no taller than three feet, so the museum will have gigantic furniture on display starting on St. Patrick's Day to let its visitors feel like the little folklore mischief makers. For just €10.00 a visit, the museum calls for its visitors to see beyond "the tales of leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold."

The history of Ireland is closely interweaved with the history of leprechauns. In Irish folklore, leprechauns are imaginary solitary creatures, whose principal occupation is making and mending shoes. By definition, leprechauns are "not wholly good not are they wholly evil." But, it was generally held prior to the 20th century that leprechauns wore red and not green. But, the hat and shoes with buckles were always there.

So, there is still a lot to be learned about the history of leprechauns, which is exactly what the $6.8-million museum is trying to achieve. A hefty price tag in the time when Irish economy is not at its strongest is something museum administrators hope people will take in stride. Museum designer Tom O'Rahilly is optimistic.