Clurichaun

Everyone has heard of a leprechaun. But are you aware they have a partying cousin: the Clurichaun?

Claurichauns are Irish fairies who haunt breweries, pubs and wine cellars. Why? Because they enjoy drinking, of course!

Some say the Claurichaun is just a Leprechaun on a drinking spree, but unlike their gold-loving cousins, Claurichauns are all about liquor. They live alone, wherever the drink and the good times flow. And so long as they have free access to the drink, they’re happy as larks and will bring you good luck.

But stop the flow and the ‘pranks’ begin: and they aren’t nice.

Claurichauns have been known to push people down stairs, drink the pub dry, leave out trip hazards and tweak your nose or toes when you’re trying to sleep. And don’t try moving away to escape - they’ll just follow you. They can squeeze through keyholes and, in some stories, they can fly on rushes, like witches do on broomsticks! They can also turn rushes into “bog horses” and gallop after you.

The Irish are known for their fiery tempers, and Clurichauns have this in spades.

But treat them well, drink with them, and leave them little treats sometimes, and they might even teach you the secret of making beer from heather, or do your housework in thanks.

They also protect your property, and the lives of those who live with them, so they might be troublesome and noisy but some think they’re worth having around - for the craic, if nothing else.

Would you live with a clurichaun?