Irish symbols are widely used around the world by all sorts of organisations and individuals to show their pride in their Celtic roots.
Ireland is an ancient country and has been home to several civilisations over thousands of years.
Some of the important symbols used by these ancient communities have come to be symbols of Ireland itself and mean a great deal to many people who are proud of their Irish heritage. They are also numerous pieces of Celtic jewelry that use the ancient symbols as part of their design.
In this section we look at the origins of some of the most famous Celtic symbols.
Click on the icons on the left in the list below to get more information about each symbol.
The Awen is a Celtic word meaning inspiration or essence. The Awen symbol represents inspiration or divine illumination and it is one of the lesser known Celtic symbols. More here
Brigid’s Cross has come to be known as the cross of St Brigid but is actually much older than Christianity. More here
Celtic Cross is an Irish symbol of both culture and faith that has inspired many legends. More here
Claddagh Ring – symbolises love, loyalty and friendship. Possibly the most well-known Irish symbol. More here
Easter Lily – a mark of respect for Irish nationalists who have died in battle, and a symbol of hope and peace for the future. More here
The Green Man is an ancient Celtic symbol that symbolises the coming of Spring and represents rebirth and vegetation. More here
Harp – ancient instrument and a national emblem of Ireland. More here
Shamrock – national flower of Ireland that has had significance in the country since the days of the Druids. More here
Spiral – common natural pattern and to the Celts it represents the sun or the radiation of ethereal energy. More here
Tree of Life symbolises a connection to the other world. More here
Triquetra – also known as the Trinity Knot, it symbolises an eternal spiritual life. More here
Triskele – one of the most ancient Irish symbols, over 5,000 years old. Represents the Celtic belief that everything happen in threes. More here
More on Irish Celtic Symbols
Celtic Cross
Brigid’s Cross
How Ireland protects its harp and shamrock emblems…take care if using them
Why the Guinness harp faces the opposite way to the official Irish harp
