How To Catch A Leprechaun

If you want to know how to catch a Leprechaun, first and most importantly, you must know your quarry. Here are some of the Leprechaun images and facts that may help you begin to know what you are up against!

About Leprechauns

Leprechaun Images

Legend says that Leprechauns are shoemakers (also called cobblers). Some say that you can tell a Leprechaun is near if you hear the tapping of their hammers. They love practical jokes.

Don't think it will be easy; they are very difficult to find! If there are any Leprechauns about, they can hide most anywhere behind bushes and hedgerows. Even though their bodies are short and stubby, they can usually move very fast. If you are lucky enough to see one, he will have a mischievous glint in his eyes.

How To Catch A Leprechaun

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While leprechauns are figures from folklore and mythology, the idea of catching one can be a fun and imaginative concept, particularly for children around St. Patrick's Day. In these playful scenarios, the process of 'catching a leprechaun' often involves crafting creative 'leprechaun traps'. Here's a more detailed guide on how one might set up such a trap:

  1. Choose Your Materials: Consider using green, gold, and rainbow-colored materials to attract the leprechaun. You might use a shoebox or a milk carton as the basis of your trap. Decorate it with glitter, shamrocks, rainbows, or anything else that might appeal to a leprechaun's love of all things shiny and Irish.
  2. Bait Your Trap: Place something inside the trap that a leprechaun would find irresistible. This could be a 'pot of gold' (painted rocks or chocolate coins), a shiny trinket, or even a shoe that needs repairing (since leprechauns are known as shoemakers in Irish folklore).
  3. Construct the Trap: Your trap could be as simple or as elaborate as you like. You might create a simple pitfall trap with a false top, or a box propped up with a stick that will fall down when the bait is disturbed. Just remember, leprechauns are said to be clever and cautious, so your trap will need to be cunningly disguised.
  4. Choose the Perfect Spot: Place your trap somewhere quiet and undisturbed. You might choose a corner of your backyard, or even a spot inside your house. Just remember, leprechauns are said to be more active at night, so you'll want to set your trap before you go to bed.
  5. Wait Patiently: Once your trap is set, all you can do is wait. Check your trap in the morning to see if you've managed to 'catch' a leprechaun.
  6. Enjoy the Fun: Remember, the aim of this activity is to have fun and let your imagination run wild. In the morning, you might find that the leprechaun has 'escaped', leaving behind only a few gold coins or a sprinkling of green glitter.

In reality, leprechauns are creatures of folklore and don't actually exist, but 'catching a leprechaun' can be a fun, imaginative activity for children, especially around St. Patrick's Day. It's a great opportunity to engage in creative play and learn about Irish culture and folklore.


Often, Leprechauns are dressed in a studded leather apron and a red or green wide-brimmed hat. They carry two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other is a gold coin which they will use to try and bribe their way out of difficult situations. This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it. There are ways to build Leprechaun Traps.

Remember, real Leprechauns are tricky fellows, so to really know how to catch a leprechaun, you must be creative and tricky when deciding on a way to try to catch him. Perhaps, you might try getting close enough to grab him. You would probably have to try and lure him to you, first. Leprechauns love gold and four leaf clovers. You might try to lure him close to you with a trail of clovers or fake gold coins.

IF You Catch A Leprechaun

They are very curious

. You might pretend to do something odd and when he approaches to see what you are doing, you can grab him.

Another way to catch one would be to build a Leprechaun trap. Building a Leprechaun trap can  be fun and challenging! We have devoted a complete page on how to Build a Leprechaun Trap, with some great ideas from some talented hunters!

If you, a mere mortal, were to catch one of the real Leprechauns, so the legend goes, he may offer to tell you where his hoard of gold is hidden, in return for his freedom. The leprechaun must tell the truth, for it is bound by courtesy and fairy law--but only so long as you look him in the eye, as courtesy demands. You must never take your eyes off  him--not even for an instant-- for that frees the Leprechaun from any obligation of courtesy, and it will vanish.