Also called Clúracán, Cluricaune.
The tale
The clurichaun is a solitary fairy, sometimes said to be a leprechaun on a night off, who haunts wine cellars and drinks from the casks. He rides sheep or dogs through the fields at night. In Croker's tales, if a household treats him well, he guards the cellar from thieves and stops the casks from leaking, and he will even follow the family when they move house.
When they are met
- at night
- at feasts and celebrations
Staying on their good side
- a small dish of food left out after a party
- treat him kindly and he guards your cellar
- never mistreat him, or he sours your barrels
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Let his tales remind you to drink in moderation.
- Keep a tidy pantry and share with guests.
What their tales teach
- the tales teach moderation
- the balance between fun and excess
Symbols
- the wine cask
- the red cap
- a sheepdog ridden at night
Sources
- Croker, Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland
- Yeats, Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry
More Celtic folklore
- The Banshee The keening woman of the fairy mound
- Selkies The seal folk who come ashore
- The Púca The shape-shifter of November
- The Aos Sí The people of the fairy mounds
- The Kelpie The water horse of the lochs
- The Tylwyth Teg The Fair Family of Wales
- Leprechaun The solitary fairy shoemaker
- Fear Dearg The red man who asks to warm himself