In Irish folklore, fairies (Aos Sí) originated from the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mythical, god-like race who retreated underground into the Otherworld (Tír na nÓg) after being defeated by the Milesians, becoming the magical beings associated with mounds, forts, and lone trees, explaining natural phenomena and folklore. They aren't from one specific spot but rather inhabit hidden realms within Ireland, often linked to ancient monuments and nature.
In Irish folklore. Due to the oral nature of Irish folklore, the exact origins of the fairies are not well defined. There are enough stories to support two possible origins. The fairies could either be fallen angels or the descendants of the Tuatha Dé Danann; in the latter case, this is equivalent with aos sí.
Explanations for the origins of fairies range from Persian mythology to the folklore of the Brythonic (Bretons, Welsh, Cornish), Gaelic (Irish, Scots, Manx), and Germanic peoples, and from the pages of Middle French medieval romances.
Ireland is a land of legends, where the rolling hills, ancient forests, and misty landscapes feel imbued with magic. Steeped in folklore, the Emerald Isle is said to be home to fairies, leprechauns, and mysterious creatures that dwell in secret places.
The Irish interpretation is much different. While some stories describe them as being miniature, others say they're around human height or even up to seven feet in stature. Irish fairies are often depicted without wings and can shapeshift (allegedly). They can be stunningly beautiful or terribly hideous.
The Church does not have any current official teaching on fairies or leprechauns. However, in traditional folklore, fairies and leprechauns were not the sweet and playful creatures that they tend to be in our modern depictions, and they have an association with pre-Christian European paganism.
Perfect spot to spot a fairy!
Newgrange, located in the Boyne Valley of County Meath, is an ancient passage tomb and one of Ireland's most mystical places. Built over 5,000 years ago, this Neolithic site predates the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge.
One of the many ancient Irish traditions whose origin has been lost to the ever-deepening mists of time is that of the wishing tree. They were also called rag trees, raggedy bushes, or clooty or cloughtie trees, and they can often be found growing next to or near holy wells and springs.
In Irish mythology and folklore, our warnings about the Fairies are rooted in respect and caution. One of the most prevalent pieces of advice is to avoid disturbing the Sidhe's dwelling places. These include fairy forts, roads, fields, trees, rings, and mounds known as a rath or a lios.
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.”
Faerie Faith is a Wiccan branch from the "Old Dianic" tradition (later renamed McFarland Dianic) through the work of Mark Roberts and his high priestess, Epona.
Fairy forts (also known as lios or raths from the Irish, referring to an earthen mound) are the remains of stone circles, ringforts, hillforts, or other circular prehistoric dwellings in Ireland. From possibly the late Iron Age to early Christian times, people built circular structures with earth banks or ditches.
If a sharpened scythe was placed edge-up in a chimney it would repel fairies, and an iron bolt or lock on a door would guard a house, while an axe placed under the pillow would protect the sleeper and striking a fairy with iron will result in its instant disappearance.
Finn McCool: The Giant of the Giant's Causeway
In the northern stretches of this land, there lived an Irish giant called Fionn McCool (or in Irish, Fionn Mac Cumhaill). Fionn McCool is one of Ireland's most prominent mythological characters, and yes he is who's credited with building the Giant's Causeway.
Pixies and garden fairies are the two types of fairies that are most often seen in popular culture and media. However, this does not account for brownies, elves, gnomes, dwarfs, and a great many more beings.
The Celts believed that the world was populated by a variety of supernatural beings, including faeries. These faeries were seen as powerful, magical creatures that could bring good luck or misfortune to those who crossed their paths.
This can be seen in the names of the five mythical Trees of Ireland: Bile Tortan (ash) , Navan County, Meath; Craebh Uisnig (ash) Uisneach, County Westmeath; Creabh Daithi (ash) Farbill, County Westmeath ; Eó Mughna (oak) at Bealach Mughna, now Ballaghmoon, County Kildare and Eó Rossa (yew) Old Leighlin, County Carlow.
Santa Claus, Daidí na Nollag (Daddy of Christmas), is known in Ireland as Santy or Santa. He brings presents to children in Ireland, which are opened on Christmas morning.
What not to do in Ireland
The origin of these Irish fairies could be dated back to the ancient Celtic beliefs of pagan Gods and supernatural beings. However, there is no linear path that traces the development of fairy lore in Ireland from its origin.
The Wee Folk of Ireland
The Milesians attacked and won a war against the Tuatha de Danann, eventually driving them underground. The Tuatha de Danann used their innate magic to become the Sidhe (pronounced Shee)—today known as the “fairies, “little people,” or the “wee folk.
Here are 12 enchanting magical destinations that will ignite your wanderlust to visit the isle of Ireland
Fairies want breeding stock or human lovers
The fairies definitely seemed to look at some humans as potential mates and lovers. In many Rumpelstiltskin-type tales, instead of trying to steal a baby, the fairylike helper wants the woman to become his wife and live with him underground, in Fairyland or Hell.