1. IRELAND The Emerald Island SYMBOLS

2. THE SHAMROCK
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 represent the Cristian Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
Other people say that the shamrock and the number three were considered magical in Celtic tradition.
In the 19th century, the shamrock was the symbol of Irish nationalism, pride and rebellion against the British.
Nowadays the shamrock is one of the most famous symbols of Ireland.

3. THE CLADDAGH
The Claddagh symbol includes a heart, two hands and a crown, which stand for love, friendship and loyalty.
The Claddagh symbol was first used in Claddagh (a fishing village near Galway) in the 17th century.
It is still used as the typical Irish wedding ring.

4. THE CELTIC CROSS
It is believed that this symbol represent a fusion of ancient Celtic traditions (the circle was a symbol of the Sun) and the Christian cross.
There are stone Celtic crosses monuments in Ireland since the 7th century.
Celtic crosses are used as Irish grave markers since the 19th century.
Nowadays, Celtic crosses are a symbol of the Irish Celtic heritage.

5. THE LEPRECHAUN
All the people in Ireland know the legend that Leprechauns keep their golden coins in a pot buried at the end of a rainbow.
A leprechaun usually wears a green suit and hat, and is often imagined as an old man with a beard and pointy elf ears. He is as small as a child.
Leprechauns usually live alone in the forests, and they make shoes. People can’t see them, but are the victims of their jokes.
If ever captured by a human, the Leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release.

6. THE HARP
An ancient type of harp appears in documents written by Irish monks in the 8th century.
It was also shown in coins made during the 1500s.
The harp was also used as a symbol in the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
It is the oldest official symbol of Ireland.
Nowadays, It appears on Irish coins. The harp became the trademark of Guinness, the Irish most famous beer, in 1862.

7. THE TRICOLOUR FLAG
The flag of Ireland has three colours—white, orange and green. Iit was first used by Irish nationalists who fought for their country’s independence from the British in 1848.
The white in the centre of the flag represents the peace between the Irish people (represented by the green colour) and the English supporters of William III of England, popularly known as “William Henry of Orange” (represented by the orange colour)

8. THE CELTIC TRIPLE SPIRAL
The triple spiral or triskele is a Celtic and pre-Celtic symbol found on a number of Irish Megalithic and Neolithic sites, such as Newgrange  Passage Tomb (3,200 BC).
What the tripe spiral meant to the pagans who built Newgrange and other monuments is unknown, but it is believed to represent the "three realms" - Land, Sea and Sky.
Celtic Spiral
Newgrange Entrance stone
Nowadays, Celtic symbols are very popular, and Spirals and Knots are used in jewellery, tatooing and T-shirt decorations.
Celtic Knot