Leprechauns are key figures in Irish mythology and if you find one of the little people of Ireland, then according to folklore, you may find his pot of gold.

In Irish folklore a Leprechaun is one of the faerie folk and are often associated with faerie forts, the ancient Celtic settlements. According to popular belief, this small elf like figure is pictured wearing traditional emerald green clothes and is often sporting a beard and smoking a pipe.

The Leprechaun is a cobbler by trade, but he has a secret stash of gold that he must reveal if you can capture him. But by his nature the Leprechaun is cunning and mischievous and will try anything not to hand over his gold.

The name Leprechaun is thought to have a number of origins, from the Irish Gaelic for shoemaker leath bhrógan to the Irish for pigmy, leipreachán.

• Both Saint Patrick's Day and leprechauns originated from Ireland.
• The leprechaun was initially red but turned green to signify association with Ireland.
• According to legend, spotting a leprechaun is a sign of good luck.Initially, the creature was red, but in the 20th century, everything Irish was associated with the green color, including leprechauns. Others believed that leprechaun turned green to blend with grass and leaves as a form of camouflage. The tiny mystical man remains elusive to date, and a repetitive faint hammering sound marks his presence. The poem “The Leprechaun,” describes man’s fascination with the mystical creature as driven by greed as many continue to believe that anyone who catches leprechaun is entitled to his pots of wealth, including gold. Aside from the treasure he holds; it is believed that spotting a leprechaun is a sign of good luck.