Any wandering Leprechauns should head to County Louth, as the EU has now granted them a protected zone on Cooley Mountains.

Locals in Carlingford who have been campaigning for the designated area for eight years say it's the only part of the country where the 'little people' have been seen.

There is an official hunt for the mischievous folk and their pots of gold in the town this afternoon, with proceeds going to local charities.