Leprechauns

Leprechauns are tiny fairy creatures from Irish folklore. They are usually shown wearing green coats and buckled shoes. They are said to hide pots of gold at the end of rainbows. If you catch a leprechaun, he must tell you where his gold is hidden!

The Shoemaker Fairy

In old Irish legends, leprechauns were shoemakers for the fairy folk. You could hear them tapping away at tiny shoes with their hammers. They earned gold coins for their work. They hid their treasure in pots buried at secret locations.

Catching a Leprechaun

The legends say that if you catch a leprechaun, he must grant you three wishes. But leprechauns are very tricky and will try to fool you. If you look away for even a second, the leprechaun will vanish. Many stories tell of people being outsmarted by these clever little folk.

Fun Facts

• Leprechauns were originally said to wear red coats, not green.
• There is a real 'Leprechaun Museum' in Dublin, Ireland.
• The name 'leprechaun' may come from the Irish word 'leath bhrogan,' meaning shoemaker.

Did You Know?

Every year on St. Patrick's Day, people all over the world celebrate Irish culture. Leprechauns have become one of the most recognized symbols of Ireland, along with shamrocks and the color green!