The second reason is decidedly more controversial. It involves a certain notorious American business man named William “Boss” Tweed who was born on April 3 1823. He was one of the most wealthy politicians of his time and also one of the most corrupt! He ended his days in jail in 1878 while incarcerated for stealing millions of dollars of public money. So I think we’ll stick with celebrating this gorgeous fabric!

A Short History of Irish Tweed

Tweed originated in Scotland. They named the woolen woven cloth “tweel”- Scots for “twill”. The story goes that a London merchant received some goods from a Scottish firm. He misread “tweel” as “tweed” and advertised the goods as such. The name stuck!

In Ireland, the weaving of woolen fabrics goes back centuries but it was the county of Donegal and Donegal Tweed that put Irish tweed firmly on the map. It started as a cottage industry with the spinning, weaving and dyeing of wool from local sheep in people’s homes.

The colors of Donegal Tweed reflect the natural landscape; hues of purple, green, brown and gold. Originally the dyes would be made from the moss, lichens, wildflowers and berries of the surrounding area.

Gone are the days of tweeds being seen as stuffy and conservative. Today, tweed is much sought after by numerous high profile designers and makes regular appearances on the international catwalk. Here at The Irish Store, we just love tweed in all its forms. Here’s my top picks.

Top Irish Tweed Picks

1. Irish Tweed Sports Jacket

Crafted from a luxurious wool blend tweed, this jacket exudes sophistication. The classic herringbone design comes in a choice of blue or olive green. With a 2-button fastening and 2 side vents, it offers a comfortable and tailored fit.

2. Irish Tweed Driving Cap

Our customers favorite 5-star rated Irish flat cap comes from the looms of the renowned Mucros Weavers of County Kerry. Featuring a button detail at the crown and a sewn fastening at the peak. The perfect Irish gift for him.

3. The Emily Tweed Bag

So staying with the wonderful Mucros Weavers and this gorgeous offering from their looms! The Emily Tweed Bag combines age old traditional craft with on-trend design to create the ultimate Irish hand bag! Perfect for everyday use and available in a classic gray or purple herringbone or a vibrant check.

4. Herringbone Irish Tweed Waistcoat

Crafted from a luxurious wool blend tweed, our tweed waistcoat exude timeless Irish style. The herringbone design adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. Available in blue or olive green. Featuring a classic v-neckline and pocket details on the chest and sides.

5. Irish Wool Newsboy Cap

My last pick is by no means the least! Handcrafted in Killarney County Kerry using age-old techniques, these stunning hats are made from pure wool and feature a soft leather flower motif at the side. We’ve also chosen a great variety of shades and tones, from earthy Irish greens and gray herringbone to the more vibrant pinks and lilacs.

Take 15% off our stunning Irish tweed collection-one day only! Use code TWEED.

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post Happy National Tweed Day! Our Top Irish Tweed Picks. appeared first on The Irish Store.

Places Made Famous by St. Patrick

1. Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

We begin at this majestic mountain with it’s fairytale peak overlooking Clew Bay in Count Mayo. It stands at 2057 feet and takes it’s name from the man himself. The story of myth and legend goes that it was from here that he banished the snakes from Ireland. It was also here that it is believed he fasted for 40 days.

Every year, people gather on the last Sunday of July to follow in St. Patrick’s footsteps and climb the mountain. Some even climb the mountain in their bare feet as an act of penance!

2. Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

Next up we’re off to County Tipperary to one of Ireland’s most spectacular historical sites. Legend has it that the rock itself came into being when St. Patrick banished Satan from a cave at Devil’s Bit mountain. The tall tale goes that the devil took a bite out of the mountain and spat the rock to its current location!

Another story associated with the saint and the Rock of Cashel is that it was here that he baptized and in turn converted the then King of Munster, Aonghus to Christianity.

3. Hill of Slane, County Meath

We now travel across to the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East in County Meath. The Hill of Slane is steeped in folklore concerning St. Patrick. Legend has it that it was on the Hill of Slane that he taught the Holy Trinity using the shamrock to early Christian converts. Another story associated with Ireland’s patron saint is that he lit the first paschal fire on the hill against the wishes of the pagan High King Lóegaire who lived on the Hill of Tara.

4. Slemish Mountain, County Antrim

This is the place where St. Patrick is thought to have started his Irish journey. The story goes that  St. Patrick was captured in Roman Britain and brought to Ireland as a slave. It was in this part of the world where it is thought he spent his early years in Ireland  while working as a shepherd and found his faith during this trying time of extreme hardship. Each year on St.Patrick’s Day people gather to walk to the top of Slemish as a pilgrimage.

5. Down Cathedral

We end our journey at St. Patrick’s final resting place. It is believed he died on 17 March 461 giving birth to St. Patrick’s Day! His remains were brought to the Hill of Down, the site of this beautiful cathedral in county Down.

So I hope you enjoyed our trip around Ireland in honor of St. Patrick and that you have a wonderful day of celebration! Don’t forget, our St. Patrick’s Day Sale ends tonight with 20% off orders over $79 plus free shipping-use code IRISH.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post Happy St. Patrick’s Day! An Irish Journey. appeared first on The Irish Store.

Women in Irish Mythology

1. Macha

This ancient goddess of Irish mythology appears in many forms and is associated with war, sovereignty and horses. The city of Armagh takes its name from Macha. Armagh is an anglicized version of the Irish, Ard Macha, which means ‘the heights of Macha’.

Macha also has strong links to Navan Fort, the ancient capital and seat of the high kings of Ulster. Its Irish name is Eamhain Mhacha meaning ‘twins of Macha’ and refers to the story where Macha as wife of Cruinniuc, was forced to race against the King of Ulster’s horses while heavily pregnant. She wins the race and gives birth to twins. She then curses the men of Ulster for 9 generations to come, saying they will be cursed with a great weakness at their time of need.

2. Queen Maedbh

Next up we have Ireland’s ultimate warrior queen. She became Queen Maedbh of Connaught when her father gifted her with the western Irish province. Maedbh had many husbands and no man could become king of Connaught unless they were married to Maedbh. She is famously associated with “The Cattle Raid of Cooley”( Táin Bó Cuailnge).

Insisting on equal wealth with her husband Aillil, she went in search of a prize bull after discovering that Aillil was the owner of an impressive white horned bull whcih she could not match. After searching Ireland for a bull to match that of her husband, she set her sights on the Brown Bull of Cooley. She eventually smuggled the prize bull back to Connaught after many bloody battles involving her army and the mighty Cuchulainn.

3. Aine

Aine is the goddess of sun, summer and wealth in Irish mythology. She is also associated with love and fertility with power over animals and crops. Geographically, she is most closely associated with County Limerick and the hill of Knockainey which takes its name from the Irish Cnoc Áine. As recently as 1879, the hill was the site of rituals honoring the goddess Aine to bless the land and ensure successful crops.

4. Brigid

Before the arrival of Christianity and Ireland’s famous St. Brigid, there was Brigid the goddess. In Irish Mythology, the goddess Brigid (or Brighid, Brigit or Brid meaning exalted one) is the daughter of The Dagda (the Good God) and the wife of Bres, a king of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

She is central in the celebration of the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc and is known as the goddess of healing, poetry and arts and crafts-especially blacksmithing. As a healing goddess she was believed to be present to watch over the birth of every child. Her healing wells can still be found in Ireland to this day. She is also strongly associated with fire and is regarded as a guardian of the home and the hearth.

5. The Banshee

We end on a decidedly dark note with Ireland’s female version of the Grim Reaper.  The Irish – Bean-Sidhe means ‘Faerie woman’. She usually appears as an old woman with long gray hair, dressed in black with eyes red from crying. The Banshee heralds the imminent death at the home of the soon to be deceased with her terrifying wailing. She does not cause the death but rather gives warning in order for the family to prepare.

As ever, thanks so much for joining me to discover these wonderful stories of Ireland.

Shop our full collection of Aran Sweaters, Irish Jewelry, Irish gifts and Irish Homeware below.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post Happy International Women’s Day! Legendary Women In Irish Mythology appeared first on The Irish Store.

A Short History of St. Patrick’s Day

Who Was St. Patrick?

So first things first-St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish! He was born in Roman Britain and some claim he is Welsh, others that he was Scottish. While it is not possible to pinpoint the exact year of his birth, he was born circa 386 A.D. He was the son of Calphurnius, a deacon. His grandfather, Pontius, was also a clergyman.

When he was 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to the Tyrone area in the north of Ireland near Slemish mountain (pictured above). He spent six years here as a slave. While working under these harsh conditions as a shepherd, he found his faith. He managed to escape back to his homeland but his call to to spread his Christian faith among the Irish brought him back to Ireland. After entering the priesthood in France he returned to Ireland to begin his life as a christian missionary.

Why March 17th?

Ok so we all know it’s March 17, but why? Well this is the date of St. Patrick’s death. It is believed he died on this day 461 AD giving birth to St. Patrick’s Day! His remains were brought to the Hill of Down, the site of this beautiful cathedral in county Down.

It was a Franciscan friar named Luke Wadding (1588-1657) who was responsible for St. Patrick’s Day becoming an annual feast day. This scholar and historian from Waterford tirelessly campaigned for St Patrick’s Day to become a holy day of obligation. He is commemorated in his native city with a statue at the French Church, Greyfriars.

When Was The First Parade?

So the first St. Patrick’s Day parade didn’t actually take place in Ireland! It was the Irish diaspora in the US who first started St. Patrick’s Day parades. The first official parade took place in New York in 1766!

In Ireland the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Waterford in 1903 while Dublin had its first parade in 1931. Today, Dublin hosts its very own 5 day long St. Patrick’s Day festival with in the region of half a million people descending on the city for the parade on March 17.

There’s also the danger of being pinched by a leprechaun! The tale goes that wearing green makes you invisible to these mischievous creatures and keeps you safe from their pinching. The tradition of pinching people who are not wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day originated in the U.S. It still continues this day!

St. Patrick’s Day Favorites

1. Claddagh Aran Zipper Coat

This beautifully crafted Aran zipper coat features a wealth of authentic Aran stitches including the lucky honeycomb stitch as well as a heart shaped accent stitch inspired by Ireland’s iconic symbol of love and friendship, the Claddagh.

2. Belleek I’ve Got Irish Roots Mug

Next up we have a charming mug from the renowned Belleek. Embossed with the classic Belleek basketweave design and decorated with hand painted shamrocks. Treat someone to the perfect Irish keepsake.

3. Men’s V-Neck One Button Aran Sweater

Whether it’s for your Dad, son, brother or husband, this is the perfect Irish gift. Sure to become his (or your!) favorite sweater for many seasons to come!

4. Claddagh Cat’s Eye Jewelry Set

Ireland’s enduring symbol of love, friendship & loyalty gets an exciting makeover in this matching pendant and earrings jewelry set. The beautifully crafted Claddagh twists around an eye-catching emerald-green cat’s eye stone.

5. Donegal Fleck Sweater

My last pick is this gorgeous wool sweater in a stunning shade of green. The pure wool yarn is flecked, taking inspiration from Irish tweeds and it features a rolled neck, cuffs, and hem.

Happy Shopping!

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post A Short History of St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on The Irish Store.

Along with the ancient festivals of Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. February 1^st  marks the festival of Imbolc meaning “in the belly”. This referred to the pregnancy of ewes and the upcoming lambing season. The festival celebrated rebirth and renewal while the sun in the sky gained strength and people looked forward to warmer days. Hearth fires and candles were lit to mark the day. So how did it become St. Brigid’s Day?

The Goddess

In Irish Mythology, the goddess Brigid (or Brighid, Brigit or Brid meaning exalted one) is the daughter of The Dagda (the Good God) and the wife of Bres, a king of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She bore a son, Ruadán.

She was central in the celebration of Imbolc and was the goddess of healing, poetry and and arts and crafts-especially blacksmithing. As a healing goddess she was believed to be present to watch over the birth of every child. Healing wells dedicated to her can still be found in Ireland to this day. She is also strongly associated with fire and is regarded as a guardian of the home and the hearth.

It is also believed that she was responsible for introducing the practice of “keening” in Ireland. Keening was a combinbation of singing, weeping and wailing to lament a death. It is said that this was first performed by the goddess as she mourned the death of her son Ruadán who had been slain.

The Saint

Ireland’s female patron saint was born in 451 in Faughart in county Louth.  She was the daughter of Dubhthach, a Pagan chieftain and Brocca, a Christian pict who was reportedly baptized by St.Patrick. The story goes that her nobleman father sold both Brigid and her mother into slavery. Inspired by St.Patrick, she was determined to become a Christian and give her life to God. She is regarded one of the earliest Christian nuns. She founded many monasteries, most notably the settlement at Kildare which she founded around 480.

St. Brigid died on 1 February 525 and this date is still celebrated as St. Brigid’s Day. She is buried in a tomb in the Abbey she founded in Kildare. Her remains were later moved to Downpatrick. There, she was laid to rest with Ireland’s other patron saints, St. Patrick and St. Columcille.

During her life, she was reported to have performed many miracles including turning water into beer. My favorite  legend surrounding St. Brigid is the tale of how she came to acquire the land to set up her convent at Kildare. The story goes that the local chieftain would only give her the land which was covered by her cloak. She then spread her cloak on the ground, The horrified chieftain looked on as the cloak miraculously began to spread. He begged her to make it stop for fear of losing all his lands. She did so and this became her land for her convent. Another story goes that the ground was levelled by her spreading cloak to give us the Kildare flatlands known as the Curragh.

St. Brigid’s Day Customs

1. Making St.Brigid’s Crosses

St. Brigid’s crosses are still made every 1 February in some parts of Ireland. They are usually made of rushes or straw. Traditionally they hang above the entrance to the home for protection.

It is widely believed that the origins of the cross and it’s symbolism are pagan. Typically though, there’s a story of how St. Brigid came to make the first cross. The tale tells of a pagan chieftain who was on his death bed and the saint was sent for to teach him about Christ. His illness had made him delirious so Brigid gathered some rushes from the floor and began to fashion them into a cross. As she explained it’s meaning, his delirium calmed and he converted to Christianity before his death.

Of course, along with the shamrock and the harp, the St. Brigid’s cross has become a lasting and recognizable Irish emblem and is particularly popular in Celtic Jewelry design. Here’s one of my favorites from The Irish Store collection.

The design beautifully mimics the weave of the reeds which would have been traditionally used to make the crosses for the feast of St Brigid. Crafted in Ireland. Hallmarked at Dublin Castle.

2. Visiting Holy Wells

There are many holy wells in Ireland dedicated to St. Brigid, most notably in Kildare. The well is fed by a spring which runs underground then overground past a modern day statue of the saint. Again, the origins of making these pilgrimages to these wells to request healing and fertility date back to pagan times. These pilgrimages continue to this day.

3. Biddy’s Day County Kerry

My favorite custom associated with St. Brigid’s day is the Biddy’s Day Festival in Killorglin, county Kerry. Biddy groups continue an age-old tradition of carrying  a Brideog doll from house to house (including public houses!). This is believed to ward off evil spirits and guarantee the household luck, wealth and fertility. The festival culminates in the crowning of the King of the Biddys and a torchlight procession through the town.

As always thank you all so much for joining me and a Happy St. Brigid’s Day to all!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post Happy St. Brigids Day! The Beginning of Celtic Spring. appeared first on The Irish Store.

1. The Aran Islands

So this is where it all began! The iconic Aran sweater takes its name from the trio of islands on the west of Ireland just off the coast of County Galway. Inishmore is the biggest of the islands followed by Inishmann and the smallest island, Inisheer. The islander women knitted the first Aran sweaters as a protective layer for the islander fishermen and farmers.

The combinations of stitches that we admire on sweaters today were no accident. Family patterns were closely guarded and passed down through generations. It is even claimed that the bodies of Aran Islander fishermen who had died at sea could be identified by the pattern on their Aran sweater.

2. The Original Fisherman’s Sweater

So as I mentioned above, the first Aran sweaters were made for fishermen but did you know that they were actually waterproof! The original yarn was unscoured. Unscoured wool retains its natural lanolin making it water resistant. Perfect for braving the harsh conditions of the unforgiving Atlantic Ocean and a far cry from the soft merino and pure wool yarns that are used today.

3. There’s an Aran sweater in the Book of Kells!

Ok so this is definitely a myth but it wouldn’t be Irish without the odd tall tale! It is claimed that Aran stitch patterns can be seen in one of Ireland’s most precious treasures, The Book of Kells. Highly unlikely as the first Aran sweaters came into being in the early 1900s and The Book of Kells dates back to the 800 AD! A more believable explanation is that Aran knitters were inspired by the artwork on the megalithic monuments that surrounded them.

4. The Amazing Craft

The amazing skill involved in creating an Aran sweater cannot be underestimated. The intricacy of the designs and the mastery that these Aran knitters commanded of their craft still amazes experts to this day. An sweater is a true work of art containing approximately 100,000 painstakingly constructed stitches.

5. Every Stitch Tells a Tale

There is more meaning hidden in the Aran sweater than you might think! Each stitch pattern has its own symbolism and significance. Below are the meanings associated with some of the most popular Aran stitches.

Honeycomb: The symbol of the hard-working bee. Industry and efficiency were important values for the Islanders.

Cable: A tribute to the fisherman’s ropes. A prayer for safety and good luck while fishing.

Diamond: Wishes the wearer health and success

Basket:  A symbol of the fisherman’s basket representing the hope of a plentiful catch.

6. A Fashion Icon

Throughout the 1930s and 40s, the Aran sweater gained popularity around the world and when Grace Kelly appeared in an Aran sweater on the cover of vogue in the 1950s, this humble Irish sweater was catapulted to iconic status, cementing its reputation as an Irish design classic.

 7. Famous Fans

The fame of the Aran sweater spread further with New York Village’s folk scene during the 1950s and 1960s. The Irish folk music group The Clancy Brothers, friends of Bob Dylan, wore their Aran sweaters for their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in the early 1960s, introducing it to millions of American homes. Famous fans included Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and the ultra-cool Steve Mc Queen. Present day celebrities spotted sporting Ireland’s favorite sweater include Taylor Swift, Sarah-Jessica Parker and mega star Adele.

8. A Place in Fashion History

In 2017 the Aran sweater earned itself its rightful place in the “Is Fashion Modern” exhibition at the world renowned Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Chosen as one of 111 items of clothing and accessories that have influenced fashion over the last 100 years, the Aran sweater sat side by side with such fashion icons as the little black dress, the biker jacket, the Wonderbra and Levi jeans to name but a few.

9. So Where Can you find the Perfect Aran Sweater?

Well that’s easy-The Irish Store of course! Shop our full collection of luxury Aran Sweaters below!

Thanks for dropping by!

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post 9 things you need to know about the Aran Sweater appeared first on The Irish Store.

Samhain

Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival which marks the end of the Celtic year and the harvest season. In fact, the 4500 year old Mound of the Hostages passage tomb at the Hill of Tara is aligns with the rising sun at Samhain. This suggests that Samhain held significance even before the arrival of the Celts.

At this time of year it was believed that the division between the spirit world and that of mere mortals was at it’s most fragile, therefore allowing spirits to roam the earth more freely. 

While the arrival of Christianity saw this pagan festival being incorporated into the Christian calendar, many of the customs and rituals we associate with Halloween have their roots firmly planted in pagan Celtic Ireland.

Halloween Customs & Rituals

1. Wearing Costumes

The origins of wearing costumes at Halloween can be traced back to Samhain. People would gather round bonfires in animal skins and masks. Evil spirits wandering the earth would be warded off by these disguises. Consequently, mere mortals would be allowed to go free.

2. Bonfires

At Samhain, Winter fires would be lit on hilltops. The bones of livestock would be burnt also. Hence the word bonfire, as in “fire of the bones”. People would put out their hearth fires and re-light them from the embers of the communal bonfires. This was believed to bring good fortune. The ashes from the bonfires would also be scattered of this the fields to protect future crops from evil spirits.

3. Jack O Lanterns

So you know it’s Halloween when the carved pumpkins start to appear! One story traces this back to the ancients Celts yet again. People would hollow out a turnip to bring home the embers of the communal bonfire. The turnip was replaced by the pumpkin thanks to our American cousins. 

Anothet other tale comes much later and involves a character called Stingy Jack who made a pact with the Devil and in turn tricked the Devil and didn’t keep his side of the bargain. When Jack died, God would not allow such a man into heaven and the Devil did not want him in Hell so Jack was condemned to wander the earth as lost soul forevermore with only a burning coal to light his way which he kept in a turnip. In Ireland and Scotland, people would make their own Jack O Lanterns to keep Jack and other evil spirits at bay!

4. Trick or Treat

Hordes of Irish immigrants made their way to America in the 1800s. They made sure to bring their traditions with them and keep them alive in this new land. While the term “Trick or Treat” was most definitely born in the US, it’s origins can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages.

The tradition of “mumming” or “guising” involved a troop of players going from door to door and performing plays or songs in exchange for food. At Halloween they would dress as the dead spirits. To give food or drink in exchange for these performances or prayers was thought to protect your household from evil spirits.

Happy Halloweeeeeeen!!!!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu

The post Happy Halloween from Ireland! The home of Halloween! appeared first on The Irish Store.

Iconic Sites of Ancient Ireland

1. Grange Stone Circle Lough Gur

Our first stop is Grange Stone Circle at Lough Gur in County Limerick. Taking its name from the sun goddess Grainne, the entrance to the east perfectly aligns with the rising sun of the solstice on 21 June. The stone circle dates back some 4000 years possibly even 6000 years. A magical place in a beautiful setting.

2. Hill of Tara

Next we’re off to our first stop in the epicenter of ancient Ireland. People have gathered on the Hill of Tara for millennia to celebrate the summer solstice. The ancient seat of Ireland’s High Kings, the summit of the Hill of Tara is marked by the royal enclosure known as the Fort of The Kings. Two earthworks, Cormac’s House and the Royal Seat are linked by a central standing stone known as Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny). Legend has it that when a true king held the stone, a piercing shriek could be heard in the four corners of Ireland.

3. Newgrange

Next up we’re off to what us undoubtedly Ireland’s most iconic ancient heritage site. Truly awe-inspiring, the passage tomb at Newgrange hails from the Stone Age and was built some 5200 years ago. It predates the Pyramids and Stonehenge by some 500 years. Measuring 85 meters in diameter and 13.5 meters high it is surrounded by 97 kerbstones bearing stunning examples of megalithic art. Its passage and chamber are aligned with the rising sun at the Winter Solstice on 21 December when they are spectacularly illuminated. 

4. Knowth

Since we’re in the area, we must stop off at the Knowth passage tomb which is on the same World Heritage site of Brú na Bóinne in County Meath. At 40m in length, its eastern passage boasts the longest megalithic passage in Western Europe as well the largest gallery of megalithic art.

5. Drombeg Stone Circle

We end our journey through ancient Ireland with another magnificent stone circle at Glandore in County Cork. Drombeg stone circle perches on the edge of a lush valley with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. The circle of 17 standing stones is also locally known as the Druid’s Altar. Excavation revealed that an urn had been buried in the center of the circle. It is dated between 153 BC and 127AD.

Thanks so much for joining me on the road. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are!

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post Happy Summer Solstice! A Tour of Ancient Ireland appeared first on The Irish Store.

The Meaning of the Triskele

The origins of the Triskel symbol in Ireland are something of mystery, but it is believed that it dates back to prehistoric times. The symbol can be seen on ancient artifacts, such as the entrance stone at Newgrange, Ireland’s famous Neolithic burial tomb in County Meath.

The Triskel symbol has various meanings in Irish culture. Some people believe that the three spirals represent the three elements of earth, water, and air. Others believe that the symbol represents the three aspects of the Triple Goddess in Celtic mythology: maiden, mother, and crone.

Regardless of its meaning, the Triskel symbol has plays an important role in Irish history. The symbol was used by the ancient Celts in Ireland as a way to mark sacred sites. It was also used by early Christians in Ireland as a way to incorporate the pagan symbol into their new religion.

Whether it represents the three elements of earth, water, and air, the Triple Goddess, or the three realms of existence, the Triskel symbol has played an important role in Irish history and continues to be a popular symbol in Ireland today. It can be found on everything from jewelry and clothing to souvenirs and art. Here’s our top Celtic jewelry pieces featuring this iconic symbol.

Triskele Jewelry at The Irish Store

1. Trinity Knot Triskele Pendant

This stunning Celtic pendant beautifully combines the triskele with another favorite Celtic symbol, the trinity knot. Featuring sparkling cubic zirconias and rose-gold plated detailing on a sterling silver chain. Complete the look with matching earrings below.

2. Trinity Knot Triskel Earrings

3. The Salmon Of Knowledge Celtic Pendant

This gorgeous pendant combines the age-old triskele symbol with the mythical tale of the Salmon of Knowledge. The old Irish legend goes that as a young boy, Fionn mac Cumhaill ate the salmon of knowledge which had been caught by the wise poet, Finnegas in the River Boyne. He then gained all the knowledge in the world! Sterling silver with gold plated detailing.

So why not treat yourself or someone special today to the perfect Irish gift. Shop our full collection of Celtic jewelry, Aran sweaters and Irish homewares below.

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post Iconic Symbols of Ireland. The Triskele. appeared first on The Irish Store.

History and Meaning of The Celtic Cross

Its origins go back to the early Christian period in Ireland, around the 5th century AD. During this time, Christianity was introduced to Ireland by St. Patrick which led to the country becoming a center of Christian scholarship and missionary work.

The design features a simple cross with a circle around the intersection of the arms. The circle is said to represent the sun, an important symbol in the pagan religion of Ireland. The cross itself is believed to represent the tree of life, also a significant symbol in the pagan tradition. Over time, the Celtic cross became a prominent symbol of the Irish Christian tradition while remaining an important part of Irish culture.

So there are many different meanings and interpretations, depending on who you ask. Some people see it as a symbol of Christianity. Others see it as a symbol of Ireland’s unique blend of Christianity and pagan traditions while others see it as an iconic symbol of Irish identity.

Celtic Crosses in Ireland

Today, many examples of ancient Celtic crosses are to be found around Ireland. Some of the most famous include the high crosses at Clonmacnoise, Monasterboice, and Kells. Many of them feature intricate carvings and inscriptions. They provide a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s rich cultural history.

Our Top Celtic Cross Pendants

1. Marcasite & Connemara Marble Celtic Cross

First up we have our bestselling 5 star customer favorite! The arms feature 900 million year old Connemara Marble, Ireland’s ancient gemstone. Beautifully finished with a single marcasite stone at the center. 

2. Mens Celtic Cross Pendant

So next up we have one for the guys and it’s a real winner. Beautifully handcrafted in Ireland and also featuring stunning Celtic knotwork on each of the arms of the cross. Sterling silver. Hallmarked at Dublin Castle.

3. Diamond & Emerald Celtic Cross Pendant

So next up we have a truly stunning Irish necklace. It features exquisite sterling silver Celtic knot work on the arms of the cross while the diamond encrusted disc and a sparkling emerald at the center really set it apart. From the renowned craftspeople at Tara’s Diary.

4. Sterling Silver & Connemara Marble Pendant

My final pick features an eye-catching polished bead of Connemara Marble at the center of this beautifully crafted Celtic cross pendant. It’s also exclusive to The Irish Store so you won’t find it anywhere else!

Shop our full collection of Celtic jewelry, Aran sweaters and Irish homewares below.

Thanks for dropping by,

Take care of yourselves and each other,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

The post Iconic Symbols of Ireland. The Celtic Cross appeared first on The Irish Store.