FAMILIES AND PROSPECTORS will gather in Co Louth this Sunday to hunt… leprechauns.
The National Leprechaun Hunt takes place on Carlingford Mountain, and will see treasure-seeking hopefuls searching the countryside for the mythical beings.
The hunt first began in 1989 after leprechaun clothes were “found” on the Slieve Foy Mountain by a local businessman. Since then, it has become an annual feature, with the area designated a special protection area by the EU in 2010. Last year, the hunt attracted more than 3,00 people of all ages.
Participants purchase a Leprechaun Prospecting License for €5 and trawl the mountain looking for one of the 100 toy leprechauns dotted around the mountain. Each leprechaun has a designated cash value written under his heel.
Those lucky enough to find one of the little folk can redeem the leprechaun for prize-money when the hunt is over. All proceeds are in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital and other local charities.
