Irish symbols

The symbols of Ireland are famous the world over

The best-known Irish symbols are a kind of visual shorthand for Ireland and Irish heritage. Inevitably, they have been borrowed (did someone say hi-jacked?) by the marketeers and brand managers for the purpose of creating pots of gold, but that doesn't mean every ounce of Irishness has been squeezed out of them in the process.

Far from it. Irish people generally remain rather fond of their shamrocks and leprechauns et al, and proud that they have spread across the world as symbols of Ireland's culture and history.

Behind each of these emblems is a rich tradition. Each one fits into Ireland's colourful tapestry in some way, typically through the blending of myth, reality and great stores of imagination!

Take a tour through these emblems from Eire and learn more about your Irish heritage:

• The flag of Ireland – the single most important emblem of the Republic.
• The shamrock – probably the most recognised of the symbols of Ireland and perhaps the most loved. The little three leafed plant has connections to St Patrick and Catholicism, and is a reminder of the country's green carpet. More about this most popular of Irish symbols.
  
• Hot and dark with a creamy white head. It can only be Irish coffee.
• The Irish Celtic Cross. A mixture of pagan worship and Christianity comes together in this design.
• Celtic High Crosses are the giants of the Irish countryside, and impressive remnants of antiquity.
• The traditional Irish ring – the claddagh ring – symbolises friendship, love, loyalty and Irish heritage.
• The harp – On Irish passports, coins and banknotes (not to mention the logo of a certain famous brand of stout), the 12-stringed harp is the oldest official emblem of Ireland. (Coming soon)
• The leprechaun – This little fella has associations with the 'other side'. Sometimes good and sometimes bad, his unpredicatability makes him worthy of respect. (Coming soon)

Irish symbols are a transportable way of displaying or alluding to Irish heritage. And these days there's plenty of choice in how you choose to present it. From the ubiquitous key-ring containing an evergreen shamrock to a full-blown Celtic Cross tattoo, it seems these emblems of Ireland can adorn just about any place, or any thing, you choose.

• The Jack O'Lantern could be another symbol of Ireland. Find out about the origin of Halloween.
• Take a look at how Irish crafts also reflect your heritage.
• Return to Irish Genealogy Toolkit Home page.

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