St. Patrick’s Day: Nevermind Leprechaun, here’s some real Irish horror

Irish horror is more than Leprechaun. Don’t believe us? Check out these Emerald Isle chillers!

Irish horror films are more often times then not underrated gems that don’t get the attention they deserve. Too many horror fans get lazy around St. Patrick’s Day. Instead of searching out truly top notch horror films from Ireland, they settle for the American horror-comedy franchise Leprechaun.

The Leprechaun franchise maybe a classic, but it’s so lackluster compared to the diverse canon of films coming out of the horror scene in Ireland. Why stay with something stale and hokey, when you can find new exciting horror films that encompass aspects of the Leprechaun franchise, and are actually from Ireland!

One of the main reasons that fans of the Leprechaun franchise enjoy the films so much is because they are fun. Who doesn’t like a good laugh with their scares?

The horror comedy aspect of Leprechaun is a major part of it’s appeal, and if that’s what draws you to it, check out 2012’s Stitches. Stitches is an Irish horror film about a clown who dies while performing at a child’s birthday party and then comes back from the dead to get revenge on the children who are now teenagers that killed him.

Ross Noble-Stitches-Courtesy of Dark Sky Films

This film is hilarious. It reminds me of classic Herschell Gordon Lewis movies where the kill was the punchline to the joke. Very much in line with Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. Stitches is one of the funniest horror comedies I’ve seen in the last decade and being made in Ireland makes it a perfect watch for this time of year.

Now, if it’s the Irish folklore facet of the Leprechaun movies that interests you, I suggest you look into a proper viewing of The Hallow. This is an intense movie that takes place in Ireland and revolves around a family that moves into an old mill house, and has to fight for their lives against mythological creatures.

The Hallow is a white knuckle ride that encapsulates the diabolical legends of Ireland come to life. At no point, is this movie made a laughing matter. Yes, it deals with faeries and other woodland creatures, but it’s all done in a dead serious way. If it’s an interesting and original Irish horror movie you’re looking for, then you need to see The Hallow.

Crawler Hallow-The Hallow-Courtesy of IFC Midnight

If it’s not the humor or the folklore, you just want a well crafted Irish horror film to get you through St. Patrick’s Day, then look no further than The Devil’s Doorway. Two priests are sent from the Vatican to investigate a miracle in an Irish home for “fallen women.” Instead of a miraculous event, they discover something much more wicked.

The Devil’s Doorway is an intense period piece that takes place in the fall of 1960 Ireland. It’s also a found footage movie and a religious film. Think of a masterful combination of the best parts of REC and The VVitch. The Devil’s Doorway is definitely one of the most intense horror films I’ve seen dealing with demonic possession in recent years.

Now that you have a few suggestions on under appreciated and under seen Irish horror films, I hope that you understand you have more options than to watch the Leprechaun franchise…again. Sure, the Leprechaun movies are silly fun, but why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a horror movie actually made in Ireland!

Do you have a favorite Irish horror film? Let us know in the comments.