Mark Guerin - Storyteller at the Leprechaun Museum
THE NATIONAL Leprechaun Museum on Jervis Street, Dublin 1 is like a giant playground for adults so it’s a great place to work.
I’ve been here since we opened in March 2010. I work a five-day week, typically from 9am to about 6.30pm.
First up when I get in is the safety check, making sure the fire doors are closed and giving everything the once over, checking the projectors and displays are all working.
After that it’s all about planning for the day, seeing who is in and who is going to be leading tours.
There are 12 of us and we work in teams of five. Some come from an acting background and that informs the way they handle tours.
My background is in storytelling and mythology – that’s what I love. I’m also fascinated by the paranormal, so that gives an added element to my tours.
Previously, I used to sell advertising for newspapers. I was spending 12 hours a day, six days a week in front of a computer and the stress was awful.
When I came across this job I couldn’t believe it. It was the perfect job for me and I jumped at it. The hours are long but there’s just no stress. It’s really enjoyable.
For lunch I head out for curry and chips in Henry Street and, when I get back, it’s more tours. Typically, I’ll do four a day and they are the highlight of the job. I love meeting people and, though I’m the one telling stories, it’s the tales I hear back that make it worthwhile.
Most of our visitors are adults and about 40 per cent are Irish. Currently, part of the day is spent getting ready for our Dark Storiesevent, which will involve stories being told by banshees and ghouls, and which is running over the Halloween period.
There will be tarot card readings and paranormal investigations so, with rehearsals and everything else, it is 9pm before I’m out these days.
I love the term “ghost hunting”, even though many involved in paranormal investigations hate it. It’s the new extreme sport – a great adrenaline rush – and I spend my down time exploring ruined castles and the like as a hobby.
I have seen ghosts, felt things that can’t be explained. Part of the museum is on the site of a morgue. I’ve interviewed people who have worked in this building as far back as the 1950s and they’ve all told of the same spooky experiences.
At night I’m the one who locks up, turns off the lights and closes the doors. When I arrive in the morning, there are lights on that I turned off and doors open that I had closed. It doesn’t scare me, I love all that.
* leprechaunmuseum.ie