The leprechaun is a magical figure of Irish folklore, and is akin to faeries, although they resemble the appearance of a jolly bearded dwarf. They traditionally wear green suits, buckled shoes, and a derby hat with a four-leaf clover tucked in the bill.

They are mischievous creatures and make all of their money working as cobblers, or shoemakers. They hoard their riches in a pot of gold, usually found at the end of a rainbow, which makes a wonderful hiding place!

Leprechauns traditionally inhabit Ireland, but can also be found in fairy circles in rural wooded area. A fairy circle is a naturally occurring group of mushrooms, fungi, or even wild grasses that grow in a ring shaped pattern. It is said that this is a meeting place for elves and other magical woodland folk. Leprechauns usually come to these places to smoke their pipes, toast a drink among other fairy folk, and play mischievous tricks on humans who pass by.

St. Patrick's Day is supposed to be the luckiest day of the year to spot a leprechaun in such a place. So if you are out in the woods and spot one, here's what you do! Maintain eye contact, like a staring contest. As long as you have the leprechaun in your gaze, he won't be able to escape. He will either have to lead you to his pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, or grant you three wishes.

Break your stare though and he will disappear, never to be found again. Be careful with what you wish for though, because leprechauns are known for being tricky and twisting your words into something you might not have thought about. There's nothing a leprechaun loves more than outwitting an unsuspecting human.

Good luck with your leprechaun hunting and Happy St. Patrick's Day!