Belleek China 2023 Edition Leprechaun Pot of Gold 36th Annual Ornament

The Leprechaun has become an iconic symbol of Ireland and is synonymous with modern day folklore. They are a very illusive creature but they can be classed as a solitary fairy. The Leprechaun is often depicted with a pot of gold coins and it is believed that he keeps the gold hidden at the end of the rainbow. If you capture a Leprechaun, he must grant you three wishes or share his gold with you.

It is unclear exactly how he amassed such wealth but William Butler Yeats wrote that the gold came from “treasure crocks, buried of old in war-time” which the Leprechaun later recovered. Leprechauns are often depicted mending shoes and there is some speculation that their gold represents their earnings from shoemaking and repairs. While others believe the Leprechaun is not a professional cobbler but simply has to mend his shoes which have been worn out from too much running around and creating mischief. This theory has not been confirmed, however.

The last clamed Leprechaun sighting was in Carlingford in 1989 and he is now considered to be an endangered species. In 2009 the 236 surviving leprechauns in Ireland were afforded protection under the European Habitats Directive.