How to Catch a Leprechaun

Leprechauns are magical creatures of Irish decent with temperamental wit and a fierce pride. Years ago it was said that Leprechauns were found only on the Emerald Island and did not stray from their homeland. Some legends have even gone so far as to say that a Leprechaun would loose his magic becoming nothing more than a very tiny Irishman should he get to far from home but with the Irish people so far dispersed and making homes all around the world it seems that perhaps these legends be not more than hasty rumor and where ever a rainbow falls a Leprechaun is likely to arrive. How else would the pot of gold arrive?

What is for certain is that Leprechaun are tricky, clever and quick. Leprechauns can only be caught when you are watching them and should your eyes or attention wander they disappear in a blink!

A few tips that have been passed down through the lore and the red hair of the Irish Montgomery's with lend the help that can:

1) Being small creatures, Leprechauns tend to look down and around more than up so if you are going to spy on a Leprechaun get to the high ground.

2) Leprechauns have a soft spot for red hair and green eyes. There are rumors that when properly distracted a red headed doll can draw a Leprechaun close for at least a moment.

3) Leprechauns are tricksters by nature. They love a good trick and can't resist mischief. A Leprechaun passing by can't resist the chance to turn an unwatched glass of milk green or knock a coat off its peg.

4) Leprechauns are prideful creatures that always feel under appreciated. They won't pass up a bit of food that has been specially prepared for them and left along their path.

5) The only thing more important to a Leprechaun that his gold is his hat. If you can grab the hat you've got your Leprechaun!

6) Leprechauns are very competitive with each other and can't pass on a chance to embarrass other Leprechauns. What would be more embarrassing that a Leprechaun who has lost his hat? Leave out a decoy Leprechaun hat and a passerby will have to stop and pick it up as a trophy.

7) The truth is that most Leprechaun traps don't work because the Leprechaun is watching the person set it up and getting a good laugh knowing that it won't work but if you make an elaborate trap that's a little bit of a challenge any Leprechaun worth his gold wouldn't be able to leave without snatching the bait.

8) Leprechauns' magic power is weakest just after a rainbow. This is the best time to offer up a snack or a bribe or a bit of bait.

9) If you're able to lure a Leprechaun into your kitchen or to a spot on the roadside (the best places to find them) don't try to grab them up in a sack. Say hello and keep looking straight at him!

10) Leprechaun pride will bring them right out into the open if you are bragging about having caught them. They just can't help but pop up and escape again.