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Origin of fairy dust, no one really knows about it just a spread rumor, popularized by disney https://writinginmargins.weebly.com/home/a-history-of-fairy-dust, Popularization of fairy dust as “flying” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_and_Wendy, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Pan_(1953_film)
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The “night of the big wind” or as it is known in Irish “Óiche na Gaoithe Móire” was one of the worst storms ever recorded in Ireland leading to many deaths, and the disaster to the sídhe (the fairies). A few different versions of this exist: invading fairies fighting Irish ones, massive groups of different factions fighting each other, or that it was the fairies finally leaving Ireland on magical tornadoes. An account in the national folklore collection tells us that a local spot normally associated with fairy music has been silent since. https://irishfolklore.wordpress.com/
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Sidhe are the Irish Fairy folk specifically https://irishpagan.school/sidhe-irish-fairy-folklore/
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The Púca (still the word used in modern Irish for spirit or ghost), whose name can be anglicised as pooka or phouka is considered to be a solitary Sidhe who could be the bringer of either good or bad fortune, and help or further hindrance to travellers and rural communities. They are likely to be a distinct group or tribe of Fairies though, and Púcaí (the plural) can have dark green/black or white fur or hair, similar to a Fairy cat or hound. In Irish Fairy and folk tales, the creatures appear as shapeshifters, which could take the form of horses, goats, cats, dogs, roosters, or hares. They may also appear in human form, sometimes including various animal features, such a tail or long ears
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Changeling: often a Wise Woman, or a Fairy Doctor – may be able to tell that something is very wrong, and the Changeling can be tested to discern if it is really one of the Daoine Sidhe.
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When humans are enticed into the Otherworld in these stories, it often involves a beautiful Fairy lover type figure. https://irishpagan.school/sidhe-irish-fairy-folklore/
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The fairies are a secretive people who are blamed by the local Irish for many things which they cannot explain. As a result, the fairies like to be left alone and it is considered bad luck to disturb a fairy bower or a Lone Bush. But, they do love children and if you treat them well they may just grant you a wish at their fairy tree or Lone Bush.
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https://www.lullymoreheritagepark.com/heritage/fairy-village-lone-bush-folklore/
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In Irish folklore, certain places called “fairy trees” or “fairy forts” hold the entrance to the magical world of fairies. People believe these mystical places, often marked by ancient trees or circular earthen mounds, bring about bad luck. However, it can also provoke the wrath of the fairies when interfered with or disrespected.
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Leprechaun: Perhaps the most well-known of all Irish fairies, the Leprechaun is a mischievous little creature. They are also famous for their love of gold and their shoemaking skills. People often depict leprechauns as small old men with beards who wear green clothes and a hat. Legends say that if you catch a Leprechaun, it must grant you three wishes in exchange for its freedom.
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The fairy queen wore a dress that looked like the colors of nature. She had a magical beauty that seemed to match the Irish landscape. Her flowing hair cascaded like liquid gold, catching the sunlight and illuminating her ethereal presence. At that moment, Lady Fanshawe stood captivated, witness to a convergence of realms—a meeting point where mortal and fairy coexisted.
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Entrances to the Otherworld of the fairies are everywhere – caves, tombs, barrows, forts, even tree hollows and roots. One example is a small cave in County Roscommon, be Oweynagat Cave, which was long said to be the entrance to the Otherworld. This was later Christianised, like much of Irish ancient history, to become known as the “Entrance to Hell.”
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Certain methods were employed to keep the fairies at bay; garlands of marigolds and primroses at your door, the wood of the ash, rowan, and blackthorn, or a bag of clover around your neck were all means of self-protection from fairies. Another way was to turn your coat inside out when passing a fairy. And they aren’t fond of iron, salt, or bread either.
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Fairies were said to employ humans to work for them, for either one or seven years. And if you spent seven years with the fairies, you would return with a magical gift – the number seven being an important symbol in Irish folklore.
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These humans hired to work either as servants or farm labourers, often return with a warning not to talk about their experience, and not to point out or recognize the fairies. Failure to do this usually results in a punishment, such as losing one’s voice or memory.
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The fairy mounds: These grassy hills or mounds are considered portals to the “Other World”. A typical fairy mound looks like a small, rounded hill, often surrounded by trees or stones. It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish a fairy mound from an ordinary hill, but these places usually have a distinct, almost magical atmosphere that sets them apart. Like other fairy habitats, mounds are often seen as portals to the fairy world. It is said that those who stand on a mound at midnight can be carried off into the fairy realm. Legends speak of fairies acting as guardians of these mounds. They protect the land and can punish those who disturb the tranquility of the place.
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Fairy trees: Among the captivating elements of Irish folklore, fairy trees hold a particularly special place. These trees, often isolated hawthorns, are considered sacred and are supposed to be portals to the fairy world of the Sidhe.