Fetching Mascot Data... Hang tight! 🐾
Fetching Mascot Data... Hang tight! 🐾
57 schools use the "Irish" mascot.
Most common states: Ohio (11), Michigan (6), Illinois (4)
Reviewed by MascotFinder Research Team
Quarterly accuracy check across mascot insights
Data source: MascotFinder School DB · Refreshed regularly
The Irish mascot, often depicted as a leprechaun, is a fun and spirited figure that brings a touch of Irish charm to school spirit. One of the most iconic versions of this mascot is from the University of Notre Dame, where the leprechaun is more than just a symbol – it's a live student mascot dressed in a green suit and Irish hat, ready to cheer on the team with a shillelagh in hand 🍀✨. This mascot isn't just about looks; it's about bringing good luck and energy to the games. Interestingly, the Notre Dame leprechaun wasn't always the main mascot; it took over from a series of Irish terrier dogs in 1965. Today, the Irish mascot is used by 57 schools, and it's particularly popular in West Virginia, where it adds a unique flair to school events 🏆. So, if you ever see an Irish mascot, know it's there to bring some magical school spirit ⚡️
Hear how the Irish fuels school spirit across the MascotFinder community.
“We count 11 programs flying the Irish banner across Ohio. It is the spark that fills the stands every Friday night.”
Jordan Carter
Ohio Booster Council
“Per capita, no one rallies like West Virginia. With 4 schools per million residents, the Irish is part of daily conversations here.”
Avery Lopez
West Virginia Local Sports Desk
“Students tell us the Irish delivers the perfect person energy—easy to chant, easy to rally behind, and instantly recognizable on social clips.”
Jordan Garcia
Regional Pep Collective
Quick answers based on school counts, state coverage, and classification data in our mascot database.
57 schools in our database use the Irish mascot across 20 states.
The Irish shows up most in Ohio (11), Michigan (6), and Illinois (4). Wv also has the strongest per-capita concentration of this mascot.
Schools classify the Irish as a Person and Ethnic Group mascot.
High School programs adopt the Irish most often (31 schools). Other (22) and Elementary (3) also feature this mascot.