If you should be walking along a wooded path some moonlit night in Spring and hear the faint tap-tapping of a tiny hammer, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of an Irish Leprechaun, the elfin shoemaker, whose roguish tricks are the delight of Irish story telling! According to legend, the Leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden somewhere, and he must give up his treasure to the one who catches him. You'll have to step lively and think quickly to capture a Leprechaun's gold. This sly little fellow will fool you into looking away for an instant while he escapes into the forest.

Near a misty stream in Ireland, In the hollow of a tree Live mystical, magical leprechauns Who are clever as can be. With their pointed ears, turned up toes And little coats of green Leprechauns busily make their shoes And try hard not to be seen. Only those who really believe Have seen these little elves And if we are all believers We can surely see for ourselves.

Leprechaun's are the self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure that was left by the Danes when they marauded through Ireland. The wee ones bury their treasure in crocks or pots. If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. A Leprechaun carries two leather pouches. In one is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to his purse each time it is paid out. In the other pouch, he carries a bright gold coin. This coin turns to leaves or ashes once the Leprechaun has parted with it!

As long as there are Irishmen to believe in the "Wee Folk," there will be Leprechauns to reflect the Irish sense of fun. Many new stories of Leprechaun shenanigans are added to Irish folklore every year!