  FAERIES  There are two types of faeries that the Irish believe to exist: the trooping faeries and the solitary faeries. The trooping faeries band together in the hawthorn trees and dwell in faery palaces. They are very social beings, contrary to the solitary faeries, who would rather be left alone. Solitary faeries include leprechauns, silkies, merrows, and banshees.  LEPRECHAUNS  Leprechauns are solitary creatures. They avoid contact with mortals as well as the faery world. Leprechauns are cobblers by trade, and are known to be foul-mouthed. They guard the faeries' treasures, and drink beer from heavy mugs. Although leprechauns hide their treasures well, a rainbow always alerts humans to the whereabouts of gold. If a mortal is lucky enough to catch a leprechaun, he may tell where the treasure is hidden, especially if he's had his share of beer.  THE SELKIES (SILKIES)  The selkies are enchanting creatures who are seals by day, but men or women by night. They are also called water kelpies or selchies. In their human form the selkies are are said to hold extraordinary beauty, with dark hair and eyes. They quietly come to shore and shed their skins, playing in the sand. A selkie must obey anyone who secures their oily skins. Selkies make excellent wives, and mothers. However, if they ever find their seal skins again, they will return to the sea. They are never far way from the shore, where they can keep an eye on their children.    The Irish harp (clarsach) is a symbol of Ireland. It is small, held on the knee, and is carved from a solid block of wood. The harp is displayed on Irish flags, coins, and on the Royal British coat of arms. The Irish people played harps in early Christian times, and men were sent to Ireland from all over the world to learn the art of harp playing. King Edward I of England ordered a massacre of the bards and harpists of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland in 1283. Queen Elizabeth's orders were to "hang the harpers wherever found," during Rennaisance times because she viewed it as a symbol of rebellion.   Saint Patrick was a gentleman, Who through strategy and stealth, Drove all the snakes from Ireland, Here’s a toasting to his health. But not too many toastings Lest you lose yourself and then Forget the good Saint Patrick And see all those snakes again.   
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