Leprechauns point the way for Ardara’s new Wee Folk Trail

Leprechauns and other figurines from local history and folklore are to assemble in Ardara shortly to help establish a Wee Folks Trail.

The concept has its origins in this area's rich traditions, coupled with some innovative thinking by a man with strong local connections.

Colum O'Farrell's mother, Winifred Breslin, originally hailed from the Mongumna townland on the outskirts of the town.

He currently owns the Deluxe Group, a bespoke interior design company based in Portadown that boasts clients such as Disneyland Paris, House of Frazer, One Tower Bridge in London, and an energy science centre in Saudi Arabia.

Colum has great memories from his times in the town and wanted to give something back to the place his mother came from so came up with the idea of the Wee Folk Trail,

This will see the establishment of a novel route to explore the area using bronze nine-inch high figurines located in strategic places to guide locals and visitors around the known and lesser-known landmarks.

“There are so many undiscovered places throughout the locality that will enhance any visit,” he said.
Colum and his son Colm addressed a gathering of interested Ardara groups and businessmen in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel last Friday evening. They were assisted by local historian Natalie Lough and illustrator and graphic designer, Owen Mackle.

Colum outlined how he had based the trail on the exploits of local tinsmith and fiddler, Jimmy O'Rourke, the man who became the inspiration for the Walt Disney film, Darby O'Gill, and the Little People.

This happened around 1947 when he met American screenwriter, Lawrence Watkin who was in search of inspiration for Disney's latest on-screen story. Watkins was so taken with Jimmy that he decided to rework his original idea for a protagonist and so the Darby O'Gill character was born.

Other trails
The O'Farrells have already established the Armagh City of Angels and Gargoyles Trail so have experienced such a concept working. They now hope to bring the same clever and innovative idea to Ardara

They told the meeting such an idea could be replicated in Ardara using Little People from the Disney film hiding at various locations for locals and visitors to find them.

They said this would not only offer a fresh and unique attraction to the town but help people visit parts they had never seen before and enjoy the history and folklore attached to them.
Colum added they wanted the project to involve the local community, whether it be letting some of the local schools create some of the little people or having a vote on the design of their favourite figurine.

“We want the wider community of Ardara to be involved each step of the way. After all, we want these figures to be something that reflects the pride and heritage of Ardara.”

Cost
It is understood the project will cost in the region of €30,000 to get up and running and with at least 20 places of significance identified as potential locations but that may be added depending on local input.

The trail would begin at the Ardara Heritage Centre and end at the recently commissioned Heritage Museum situated in the residence where screenwriter Watkins stayed when he visited the town.

A number of positive suggestions and ideas were offered at the meeting and it was decided further gatherings would be held over the coming months. It was also agreed to approach many agencies and bodies dealing with tourism to see if they would help support the idea.