Irish Blessings, Sayings and Proverbs

Who doesn’t want a bit of Irish luck? If you’re looking for a good way to celebrate or wish someone good health or luck then an Irish blessing or saying could be just perfect.

Ireland and the Irish are known for their cheer, hospitality and humour. Combine that with many incredible wordsmiths, poets and writers and add a heavy dose of religion and you have all the makings of some amazing blessings, sayings and proverbs. It’s why the Irish are known so well for them.

And as they are so well known for their blessings and they have a history of them it’s no surprise to find a great Irish saying or blessing for virtually every occasion. So if you’re looking for a bit of a different way to wish someone congratulations on their wedding, or good luck, or a happy anniversary or any occasion really then try one of the many Irish blessings and sayings below.

Luck of the Irish saying

Irish Blessings

  • May the luck of the Irish
    Lead to happiest heights
    And the highway you travel
    Be lined with green lights.
  • May you always have
    Walls for the winds
    A roof for the rain
    Tea beside the fire
    Laughter to cheer you
    Those you love near you
    And all your heart might desire
  • These things, I warmly wish for you-
    Someone to love, some work to do,
    A bit of o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer.
    And a guardian angel always near.
  • May your neighbors respect you,
    Troubles neglect you,
    The angels protect you,
    And Heaven accept you.
  • May your pockets be heavy,
    Your heart be light,
    And may good luck pursue you
    Each morning and night
  • May the sun shine, all day long,
    everything go right, and nothing wrong.
    May those you love bring love back to you,
    and may all the wishes you wish come true
  • Like the warmth of the sun And the light of the day, may the luck of the Irish shine bright on your way
  • Lucky stars above you,
    Sunshine on your way,
    Many friends to love you,
    Joy in work and play,
    Laughter to outweigh each care,
    In your heart a song,
    And gladness waiting everywhere
    All your whole life long!
  • Here’s health and prosperity,
    To you and all your posterity,
    And them that doesn’t drink with sincerity,
    That they be damned for all eternity
  • May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies, quick to make friends. But rich or poor, quick or slow, may you know nothing but happiness from this day forward
  • May peace and plenty bless your world with a joy that long endures and may all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
  • May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch to your door and happiness be your guest today and evermore
  • Like the warmth of the sun And the light of the day, may the luck of the Irish shine bright on your way
  • May you have love that never ends,
    lots of money, and lots of friends.
    Health be yours, whatever you do,
    and may God send many blessings to you!
  • May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road and may your friends remember the favours you are owed
  • May your feet never sweat,
    your neighbor give you ne’re a treat.
    When flowers bloom, I hope you’ll not sneeze,
    and may you always have someone to sqeeze!
  • May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door
  • May God grant you many years to live,
    For sure he must be knowing.
    The earth has angels all too few.
    And heaven is overflowing
  • May brooks and trees and singing hills join in the chorus too, and
    every gentle wind that blows send happiness to you
  • For each petal on the shamrock.
    This brings a wish your way
    Good health, good luck, and happiness
    For today and every day
  • May the embers from the open hearth warm your hands,
    May the sun’s rays from the Irish sky warm your face,
    May the children’s bright smiles warm your heart,
    May the everlasting love I give you warm your soul
  • Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.
    Lullabies, dreams and love ever after.
    A thousand welcomes when anyone comes…
    That’s the Irish for you!
  • May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
    May your heart be as light as a song,
    May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
    That stay with you all the year long
  • Lucky stars above you,
    Sunshine on your way,
    Many friends to love you,
    Joy in work and play-
    Laughter to outweigh each care,
    In your heart a song-
    And gladness waiting everywhere
    All your whole life long!

Upbeat Irish Blessing

Funny Irish Blessings

  • May the winds of fortune sail you,
    may you sail a gentle sea,
    may it always be the other guy who says this drink’s on me
  • May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my Grandmothers teeth
  • May your coffin be carried by six fair young maids!
  • As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way
  • May you die in bed at ninety-five years, shot by a jealous husband
  • May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent
  • May you live long, Die happy, And rate a mansion in heaven
  • May the Good Lord take a liking to you – but, not too soon
  • And may your coffin be made of finest wood from a 100-year-old tree,
    that I’ll go plant tomorrow!
  • Bless your little Irish heart and every other Irish part
  • May the grass grow long on the road to hell for want of use
  • When I count my blessings, I count you twice. May God bless you
  • May you be half an hour in Heaven before the Devil knows your dead
  • When the liquor was gone the fun was gone
  • If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes
  • If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, then you’re lucky enough

Funny Irish drinking saying

Short Irish Blessings

  • May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam
  • May the most you wish for be the least you get
  • May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need the most
  • May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load
  • God between us and all harm
  • May you live as long as you want but never want as long as you live
  • May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future
  • May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road and may your friends remember the favours you are owed
  • May good fortune be yours, May your joys never end
  • May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door
  • That the ten toes of your feet might always steer you clear of misfortune
  • Wishing you a pot o’ gold, and all the joy your heart can hold
  • May your right hand always be stretched out in friendship,
    And never in want
  • May you get all your wishes but one so you always have something to strive for
  • May luck be your friend in whatever you do and may trouble be always a stranger to you
  • Good as drink is, it ends in thirst
  • May the strength of three be in your journey
  • As the big hound is, so will the pup be
  • May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty
  • A trade not properly learned is an enemy
  • May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends gathered below never fall out
  • A drink precedes a story
  • May love and laughter light your days and warm your hearth and home
  • Let your heart be glad for the harvest done and may your winter be warm the whole season long

Traditional Irish Blessings

  • May the road rise to meet you,
    May the wind be always at your back.
    May the sun shine warm on your face,
    The rains fall soft upon your fields.
    And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.May God be with you and bless you,
    May you see your children’s children.
    May you be poor misfortune,
    Rich in blessings,
    May you know nothing but happiness From this day forward.

    May the road rise to meet you
    May the wind always be at your back,
    May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home,
    And may the hand of a friend always be near.

    May green be the grass you walk on,
    May blue be the sky above you,
    May pure be the joys that surround you,
    May true be the hears that love you.

  • May the saint protect ye-
    An’ sorrow neglect ye,
    An’ bad luck to the one
    That doesn’t respect ye
    t’ all that belong to ye,
    An long life t’ yer honor-
    That’s the end of my song t’ ye!May the good saints protect you,
    And bless you today.
    And may troubles ignore you,
    Each step of the way.

    May the embers from the open hearth warm your hands,
    May the sun’s rays from the Irish sky warm your face,
    May the children’s bright smiles warm your heart,
    May the everlasting love I give you warm your soul.

    May joy and peace surround you,
    Contentment latch your door,
    And happiness be with you now,
    And bless you evermore.

    May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks,
    May your heart be as light as a song,
    May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
    That stay with you all the year long.

    Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter.
    Lullabies, dreams and love ever after.
    A thousand welcomes when anyone comes…
    That’s the Irish for You!

    May the road rise to meet you,
    May the wind be always at your back,
    May the sun shine warm upon your face,
    The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
    Until we meet again,
    May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

    May good luck be your friend
    In whatever you do.
    And may trouble be always
    A stranger to you.

    May you have love that never ends,
    lots of money, and lots of friends.
    Health be yours, whatever you do,
    and may God send many blessings to you!

  • I arise today
    Through the strength of heaven:
    Light of sun,
    Radiance of moon,
    Splendour of fire,
    Speed of lightning,
    Swiftness of wind,
    Depth of sea,
    Stability of earth,
    Firmness of rock.
  • May there always be work for your hands to do.
    May your purse always hold a coin or two.
    May the sun always shine upon your window pane.
    May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
    May the hand of a friend always be near to you and
    May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
  • I wish you not a path devoid of clouds,
    Nor a life on a bed of roses,
    not that you might never need regret,
    nor that you should never feel pain.
    No, that is not my wish for you.My wish for you is:
    That you might be brave in times of trial,
    when others lay crosses upon your shoulders.
    When mountains must be climbed,
    and chasms are to be crossed.
    When hope can scarce shine through.

    That your gift God gave you
    Might grow along with you
    and let you give the gift of joy
    to all who care for you.

    That you may always have a friend
    who is worth that name.
    Whom you can trust, and who helps
    you in times of sadness.
    Who will defy the storms
    of daily life at your side.

    One more wish I have for you
    that in every hour of joy and pain
    you may feel God close to you.
    This is my wish for you,
    and all who care for you.
    This is my hope for you,
    Now and forever

  • May God give you…
    For every storm, a rainbow,
    For every tear, a smile,
    For every care, a promise,
    And a blessing in each trial.
    For every problem life sends,
    A faithful friend to share,
    For every sigh, a sweet song,
    And an answer for each prayer.

All your wishes come true Irish Blessing

Blessings in Gaelic

  • Saol fada agus breac-shláinte chugat.
    (pronounced Say-ol faw-dah og-uss brack- hlawn-cheh ch(k)oo-at)
    Translation: Long-life and fair health to you
  • Mo sheacht mbeannacht ort!
    (pronounced Muh hyawch(k)t mann-ach(k)t urt)
    Translation: My seven blessings on you!
  • Nár laga Dia thú
    (pronounced Nawr lag-ah Dee-ah hoo)
    Translation: May God never weaken you
  • Sláinte chugat.
    (pronounced Slawn-cheh ch(k)oo-at)
    Translation: Good health to you
  • Rath Dé ort
    (pronounced Rah Day urt)
    Translation: The Grace/Prosperity of God on you
  • Bail ó Dhia ort
    (pronounced Bal oh Yee-ah urt)
    Translation: The blessing of God on you
  • Maith thú
    (pronounced Maw hoo)
    Translation: Good on you
  • Is fearr bothán biamhar ná caisleán gortach
    Translation: A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle
  • Is fearr lán doirn de cheird ná lán mála d&Mac226;ór
    Translation: A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold
  • Is milis dá ól é ach is searbh dá íoc é.
    Translation: It is sweet to drink but bitter to pay for

Source: Gaelicmatters.com

House Blessings

  • God bless the corners of this house
    And be the lintel blessed.
    Bless the hearth, the table too
    And bless each place of rest.
    Bless each door that opens wide
    To stranger, kith and kin;
    Bless each shining window-pane
    That lets the sunshine in.
    Bless the roof-tree up above
    Bless every solid wall.
    The peace of Man, the peace of love,
    The peace of God on all
  • May your home be filled with laughter, may your pockets be filled with gold, and may you have all the happiness your Irish heart can hold
  • May your neighbors respect you,
    Trouble neglect you,
    The angels protect you,
    And heaven accept you
  • May your home always be too small to hold all your friends
  • May the grace of God’s protection and His great love abide within your home and within the hearts of all who dwell inside
  • May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and
    happiness be with you now and bless you evermore
  • May this home and all therein be blessed with God’s love
  • Man is incomplete until he marries. After that, he is finished
  • Two good things: a young man courting, an old man smoking. Two bad things: an old man courting, a young man smoking
  • Enough and no waste is as good as a feast
  • Bless this house, o Lord, we pray.
    Make it safe by night and day.
    Bless these walls so firm and stout,
    Keeping want and trouble out.
    Bless the roof and chimney tall,
    Let thy peace lie over all.
    Bless the doors that they may prove
    Ever open to joy and love.
    Bless the windows shining bright,
    Letting in God’s heavenly light.
    Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
    With smoke ascending like a prayer.
    Bless the people here within…
    Keep them pure and free from sin.
    Bless us all, that one day, we
    May be fit, O lord, to dwell with Thee.

Blessings for the Dead

  • May you receive mercy and grace, death without sin and may the righteous gone before you receive their share of Eternal Glory
  • May God level the road for his soul
  • When you reach the inn of death, I hope it’s closing time
  • The Lord have mercy on his soul
  • May God grant you a generous share of eternity
  • May his/her soul be on God’s right hand

Irish Sayings

  • More power to your elbow
  • May you have the health to wear it
  • Peace on your hand and health to all who shake it
  • May you escape the gallows, avoid distress, and be as healthy as a trout
  • Arrah, may God give you sense
  • God between us and all harm
  • To the doctor may you never hand any money,
    And sweet be your hand in a pot full of honey
  • Here’s to the grey goose
    With the golden wing;
    A free country
    And a Fenian King
  • May you have rye bread to do you good,
    Wheaten bread to sweeten your blood,
    Barley bread to do you no harm
    And oatmeal bread to strengthen your arm
  • You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your father was

Irish Proverbs

  • If Candlemas is wet or foul, half the winter has gone at Yule. If Candlemas is fine and fair, half the winter is to come and more
  • No man ever wore a cravat as nice, as his own child’s arm around his neck
  • As the big hound is, so will the pup be
  • You can’t kiss an Irish girl unexpectedly. You can only kiss her sooner than she thought you would
  • It is better to be a coward for a minute than dead the rest of your life
  • Even a small thorn causes festering
  • A man loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, and his mother the longest
  • It is often that a person’s mouth broke his nose
  • Put silk on a goat, and it’s still a goat
  • Do not take the thatch from your own roof to buy slates for another man’s house
  • A wet and windy May fills the barn with corn and hay
  • A country without a language, a country without a soul
  • It is a long road that has no turning
  • A trade not properly learned is an enemy
  • It is not a secret if it is known by three people
  • When a twig grows hard it is difficult to twist it. Every beginning is weak
  • The man with the boots does not mind where he places his foot
  • A friend’s eye is a good mirror

Here’s to celebrating St Patrick’s day, or just Ireland itself, with these amazing Irish blessings!

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