Irish symbols

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 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)
The Celtic Cross – A mixture of pagan worship and Christianity comes together in this style of cross. (Coming soon)
The claddagh ring – The traditional wedding ring of Irish lovers since the 17th century, the Royal Claddagh symbolises love, loyalty and Irish heritage. (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.

Take a look at how Irish crafts also reflect your heritage, or

return to Irish Genealogy Toolkit Home page.

Photo of lephrechaun's hat and pot of gold: © Nada Milevska | Dreamstime.com

The cross is one of the better known Irish symbols and there are plenty of them – modern and ancient – all over Ireland. Although mostly used now as memorials, the original high crosses, such as the one above at Moone, co. Kildare, were not intended to mark out places of burial.

They were constructed as boundary markers or as decorative points of interest on the site of monastries and their carvings were also used for religious educational purposes.

The Moone Cross, discovered in 1835, is an impressive monument that stands some 17.5 feet tall (5.4 metres). It is thought to date from the 8th century and is one of the best preserved in Ireland.

A cow is a cow is a cow? Not when it produces really excellent golden butter. Irish butter is naturally coloured, due to the beta-carotene in the lush green Irish grass consumed by the cows. Irish butter also has a higher fat content than most butters and this lends it a glorious richness.

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