Children's Books About Ireland and St. Patrick's Day
My husband’s family is Irish, so we’ve always enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and learning about Irish culture. When we go to the library there are a handful of great books about Ireland, Irish history, and St. Patrick’s Day the kids enjoy. Below is a list of good books and a couple of fun activities your kids may like too!
How to Catch a Leprechaun (Ages: 3-6 years)
I have four aunts who are teachers and the three that are elementary school teachers love these books by Adam Wallace about catching mythical creatures. In “How to Catch a Leprechaun,” they use the story to inspire STEM activities and conversations. As they read they talk about what went wrong with the traps and then when the book is finished the kids can make their own leprechaun trap! You can watch a read aloud of this book on YouTube.
Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato: An Irish Folk Tale (Ages: 2-6 years)
Find out what happens when a lazy farmer comes across a leprechaun and his potato grows far bigger than he could have ever imagined! “Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato: An Irish Folk Tale” by Tomie de Paulo is a silly and fun depiction of an Irish farmer and his village. You can watch the read aloud below or download a lesson plan from Teachers Pay Teachers.
Fiona’s Luck (Ages: 4-7 years)
With two daughters, we love books about smart and creative girls. In “Fiona’s Luck” by Teresa Bateman, all of Ireland has lost its luck due to the greedy Leprechaun King. Through a series of unique challenges and charades Fiona must find a way to outsmart the Leprechaun King to restore Ireland’s luck to help the Emerald Isle overcome hardships.
Ireland (Ages: 5-7 years)
My kids always love activities, so when I saw Irelandopedia by Fatti Burke, with coloring pages, connect the dots and other games and trivia about Ireland, I thought it was a great way to learn about the county and culture.
Let’s See Ireland (Ages: 4-8 years)
In “Let’s See Ireland” by Sara Bowie, young Molly and her family travel to famous sights in Ireland including the Dublin Zoo, Cliffs of Moher, and more. This book is a fun illustrated book that is a great adventure to get kids excited about traveling to Ireland.
Tales From Old Ireland (Ages: 8-11 years)
I love old folk tales and what better way to experience them than in “Tales From Old Ireland” by Malachy Doyle. With beautiful illustrations and funny characters, this book is perfect for reading aloud with the whole family (reading level is 8-11, but the book can be read aloud to any age).
Activity: Heritage Dolls
At school my daughter was asked to learn about her ancestors heritage and create a doll that represents a culture from her family’s history. She chose to learn about her Irish heritage. We read books about Ireland, watched videos about Irish dancing and famous destinations in Ireland. It was a great way to learn about the country and do some fun art too.
Activity: Create a Leprechaun Trap
My younger daughter loved creating a leprechaun trap. This activity is a fun way to talk about how to engineer something. Kids can use their imagination about what would draw the leprechaun in, maybe play gold coins, some chocolate coins, or even a quarter! Help the kids figure out what will set the trap off if the coins underneath are stolen. While the kiddos are sleeping, you can use glitter or make tiny footprints to show the leprechaun came and stole the coins with the trap defeated! It’s really fun for younger kids!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! What are some of your favorite books about Ireland, Irish culture, and/or St. Patrick’s Day?