Leprechaun Leprechaun A leprechaun () is a type of fairy of the Aos Sí in Irish folklore. They are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. They are solitary creatures who spend their time making and mending shoes and have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If captured by a human, they often grant three wishes in exchange for their freedom. Like other Irish fairies, leprechauns may be derived from the Tuatha Dé Danann. Leprechaun-like creatures rarely appear in Irish mythology and only became prominent in later folklore.
Irish Folklore Commission search databases. Irish Folklore Commission The Irish Folklore Commission ("Coimisiún Béaloideasa Éireann" in Irish) was set up in 1935 by the Irish Government to study and collect information on the folklore and traditions of Ireland. The Irish Folklore Commission was founded and directed by James Hamilton Delargy, and concluded in 1971. Its roles were superseded by the Department of Irish Folklore in University College, Dublin which has since served as a repository of the data collected, including the Irish Folklore Collection. During its time, the extensive collecting by the Commission caught the attention of many foreign scholars. With greater recognition,