St. Patrick's Day Family/Kids Movies

Not too many movies have been specifically made about St. Patrick's Day, but here are a few fun options for kids and families. Watching The Secret of Kells around St. Patrick's Days has become a tradition in our family. My kids were fascinated to learn about Ireland and Vikings, and they tried their hands at creating a page for an illuminated manuscript.

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The Secret of Kells

The Secret of Kells

Amazon

In this exquisitely animated tale set in eighth-century Ireland, Viking raiders threaten to destroy the monastery where young Brendan has lived since the Vikings killed his parents. Brendan lives with his uncle, Abbot Cellach, and he is not generally allowed to leave the monastery walls. One day, a newcomer called Brother Aidan arrives and introduces Brendan to an important illuminated manuscript. With help from a wood fairy named Aisling, Brendan defeats the pagan god Crom Cruach and works to help get the manuscript completed. This film has some very scary scenes, and so is recommended for kids ages 7 and up. With Celtic looking patterns, and Irish setting and historical roots, it's not only a fascinating story but also a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and learn about things like Vikings, monasteries and illuminated manuscripts. but also a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and learn about things like Vikings, monasteries and illuminated manuscripts.

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Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959)

Darby O'Gill and the Little People

Amazon

Darby O'Gill (Albert Sharpe) is a man with the Irish gift of gab who finds himself face-to-face with the magical little people, the leprechauns, in an underestimated Disney classic. Unexpectedly, one of the old storyteller's tall tales comes true when he captures the King of the Leprechauns, who must grant him three wishes. Unfortunately, all the wishes backfire in amusing, and sometimes frightening, ways.

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The Magical Legend of The Leprechauns (DVD) (1999)

The Magical Legend of the Leprechauns

Amazon

Hallmark movie. A businessman (Quaid) rents a cottage on the magical Emerald Isle which happens to inhabit leprechauns and fairies. One night at a party, a young leprechaun falls in love with a fairy princess. Their forbidden romance starts a war between the mythical communities. The businessman is chosen by the Grand Banshee (Goldberg) to help bring peace to the island which propels him into a wondrously fantastic adventure. NR

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A Very Unlucky Leprechaun (DVD) (1998)

A Very Unlucky Leprechaun

Amazon

Molly and her father have inherited a house in Ireland nicknamed "Misfortune Manor"(a house that brings misfortune to all residents). Soon Molly discovers a leprechaun living in the house, and she befriends him. Unfortunately, he has no luck because he hasn't eaten a four-leaf clover in over a hundred years. When the bad luck begins to rub off on Molly, she gets into all kinds of trouble. She soon turns things around by growing a four-leaf clover so the leprechaun can use his magic. Rated G.

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Finian's Rainbow (DVD) (1968)

Finian's Rainbow

Amazon

Twenty years after its opening on Broadway, the musical FINIAN’S RAINBOW made its debut on film thanks to Francis Ford Coppola. The movie stars Fred Astaire as Irishman Finian McLonergan, who steals a pot of gold from the leprechaun Og (Tommy Steele) and, with his daughter Sharon (Petula Clark), brings it to Rainbow Valley in the fictional southern state of Missitucky.

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Riverdance - The Best of Riverdance (DVD) (2005)

The Best of Riverdance

Amazon

Although this DVD doesn't have clovers or leprechauns, Riverdance displays wonderful Irish dancing that will be fun and inspiring for kids. The Riverdance phenomenon has seen the show performed all over the world. This documentary on the popular musical follows its evolution, from its beginnings in Dublin up to its global success in places as diverse as New York City and Geneva.

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Leprechauns Christmas Gold (1981)

Leprechauns' Christmas Gold

Amazon

30 minutes long, this movie is a "Rankin and Bass Productions Animagic" holiday special made for ABC television. Although it's technically a Christmas movie, it centers on Ireland and Leprechauns.

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Leapin Leprechauns / VHS (1995)

Leapin' Leprechauns

Amazon

A man gets more than he bargained for when he tries to build a theme park on top of land that's secretly the home to friendly Leprechauns. Rated PG for some frightening moments and mild language.