The Ireland road trip to catch a glimpse of leprechauns

Once upon a time there was a family who were in great need of magic. So, the wise family decided to drive across Ireland in search of leprechauns and other mythical creatures. Check out our guide for your own enchanted road trip.

Start your journey in lovely Dublin. In the centre of the Irish capital, your search for the little bearded man can start at the Otherworld, residence of magic creatures. In this museum, storytellers will enchant your family with local folktales and storytelling.

National Leprechaun Museum, Jervis Street, Dublin

Continue your journey north to Carlingford 40 miles (64 km) north of Dublin. The coastal town is home to Ireland’s last remaining leprechauns. You can explore the underground Leprechaun and Fairy Cavern where a leprechaun whisperer will welcome you. And if you happen to be there during springtime, there is a Leprechaun Hunt where families take their kids to Sliabh Foy in search of the little people.

Shalom Buildings Ghan Road Carlingford Co. Louth

Now head west, just north of Galway heading towards Tuam, Knockma Woods is home of Finvarra King of the Connacht fairies in Irish fairy lore. From the car park and after the ruins of Castlehackett, the trail ascends to the 552 ft high (168 m) Knockma Hill. There, you can wander around a few of the estimated 60,000 fairy forts on the island.

Knockma Hill, Tobermina, Belclare, Co. Galway

Heading south, the 24,425 acres (9 ha) Killarney National Park is home of the Ancient Emerald Forest Trail, the O’Sullivans Cascades and the Drumluska Cottage. Don’t forget the Park’s lower lake where the 15th century Ross Castle stands. Legend has it that on the first morning of May, every seven years, the ghost of Kerry chieftain O’Donoghue Mor rises from the lake on his white horse.

Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry

Finally head East to Blarney Castle in Cork, which is 600 years old and still standing tall. There, you can walk around the castle grounds to find the Blarney Stone. Once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence. If you dare, wander at your own risk in the Poison Garden, then make your wishes come true at the Wishing Steps.

Blarney Castle, Blarney, Cork