In the stories, leprechauns are small men in green coats who mend shoes and love mischief. The legend says if you ever catch one, he must tell you where his gold is hidden, but he is so clever he will trick you into looking away, and then he vanishes!
Leprechauns are just one part of a huge world of Irish tales. There are stories of brave heroes, magical hills called 'fairy forts' that farmers leave untouched, and the giant Finn McCool who, the legend says, built a path of stone steps across the sea. These tales were shared aloud by storytellers called 'seancha铆' long before they were written down.
Today, Irish folklore is celebrated in books, music and festivals, especially on St Patrick's Day, when people all over the world wear green. The stories show how Ireland keeps its history alive through imagination and fun.