Related Resources
Contact Us

Irish Symbols

The civilization of Ireland (or the Celtic people) is an old one, dating as far back as 8000BC. It’s no surprise, therefore that the country has a rich heritage and very old traditions and symbols. From leprechauns to shamrocks and Claddaghs to the Celtic Cross, Irish symbols speak of a creative, delightful people. Below are some of the most popular Irish or Celtic symbols that have found their way through history, myths, legends and folk tales.

The Claddagh

This romantic symbol is composed of two hands holding a crowned heart. The Claddagh symbol is used to show the bonds of love, friendship and loyalty. Some believe that the right hand of the symbol represents the father of Celtic Gods, called Dagda, while the left represents the mother goddess, Anu. The mystical, universal Celtic spirit Beathauile is believed to be the crown. The Christian version of this legend says that the crowned heart is a symbol of God the Father and the two hands are his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

The shamrock

Anyone who sees this three-leafed plant automatically thinks of Ireland. The shamrock is a three-leafed clover that grows abundantly in Ireland. Some people say that St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, used the shamrock to spread Christianity in Ireland, since the three leaves of the plant could represent the Holy Trinity. Other people say that the shamrock and the number three were considered magical in Celtic tradition, so this plant was believed to bring good luck.

The Celtic Cross

This symbol is a variation of the traditional Christian cross. The circle that circumnavigates the intersection of the cross is often believed to represent a fusion of the old ways and the new. It is said that St. Patrick combined the Christian cross with the sun cross that is used by Pagans. Many historians, though, say that Irish monks already used Celtic crosses made of stone as far back as the 7th century.

The Leprechaun

The legend of the leprechaun and his pot of gold are known by many people all over the world. A leprechaun is a fairy-like being in traditional Irish folklore. Clad in green, the leprechaun is often drawn as a bearded old man of dwarfish proportions. He has also been said to love mischief and pranks of all sorts.

The Irish Harp

The Irish loved to entertain guests with the use of a harp during the Gaelic times. Since then, it has always been a well-loved symbol or Ireland. The harp was used in documents written by Benedictine monks in the 8th century. It was also shown in coins made during the 1500s. It was also placed in the banners that were waved at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth 1. The harp was also featured prominently in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, and became part of the national flag of Ireland from the 18th to the 19th centuries.

The Tricolor Flag of Ireland

The current flag of Ireland has three colors—white, orange and green. Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish nationalist and a revolutionary who fought for his country’s independence from the British, introduced this flag in 1848. He says that the white in the center of the flag represents the peace between the Irish people (represented by the green color) and the English supporters of William III of England, or popularly known as “William Henry of Orange.”