National Leprechaun Museum
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
| File:National Leprechaun Museum logo.jpg | |
| Established | 10 March 2010 |
|---|---|
| Location | Twilfit House, Jervis Street, Dublin 1, Ireland |
| Type | Leprechaun |
| Director | Tom O'Rahilly |
| Website | leprechaunmuseum.ie |
The National Leprechaun Museum is a museum dedicated to leprechauns which has operated between Jervis Street and Middle Abbey Street (on 1 Jervis Street) in Dublin, Ireland, since 10 March 2010. It claims to be the first leprechaun museum in the world.[1] The Irish Times has referred to it as the "Louvre of leprechauns".[2]
Tom O'Rahilly designed the museum (with the collaboration of two Italian designers Elena Micheli and Walter Scipioni) and is its director.[1][2] O'Rahilly commenced working on his museum in 2003.[2][3] He views it as a "story-telling" tourist attraction designed to give visitors "the leprechaun experience" rather than simply a "commercial venture".[2]
Visitors to the museum follow a guided tour involving several different rooms; voiceovers are also used.[2] The basics of leprechaun folklore are explained, including what it is that defines a leprechaun.[2] A history of leprechaun references in popular culture is included, including Walt Disney's visit to Ireland which led to his 1959 film Darby O'Gill and the Little People.[2] There is a tunnel full of optical illusions, a wooden replica of the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland and a room where items such as furniture become unusually large to give the effect that the visitor has become smaller in size.[1][2][3] Another room is sheltered by umbrellas from falling rain, while the next room contains a rainbow, followed by a room with a crock of gold and a tree stump.[1][2][3] The tale of one man's attempt to catch a leprechaun is also told.[2] Other rooms refer to the Children of Lir, fairy forts, and Newgrange; one contains a well and gigantic tree trunks.[2][3] References to other creatures are included in the tour and it is explained that "Fairies move in clouds of dust", with fairy dust included as well.[2] At the end of the tour visitors arrive at a shop where they can purchase goods such as T-shirts and umbrellas.[2]
References
External links
- Official website
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
