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Are you looking for famous Irish blessings to share with those you love this St. Patrick’s Day? You can find everything you need in the following list of 150 Irish quotes and blessings ahead. We’ve listed blessings that range from the traditional and funny to ones meant for specific occasions like weddings, funerals, and birthdays. Discover popular Irish sayings and prayers that will touch the hearts of your friends and family!

The Best Irish Quotes and Blessings

  • Short: If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the autumn.
  • For Friendship: A friend's eye is a good mirror.
  • For St. Patrick’s Day: Wishing you a pot o’ gold, and all the joy your heart can hold.
  • For Birthdays: May you live long, die happy, and rate a mansion in heaven.
  • For Weddings: If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever.
Section 1 of 17:

Traditional Irish Blessings

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  1. These Irish quotes are some of the best-known Irish blessings. Many call upon God’s protection on the behalf of those being blessed, while others simply hope for all your dreams to come true. Start the week strong with blessings to ask for fortune, friends, and luck to come in droves.
    • May the dreams you hold dearest, be those which come true, the kindness you spread, keep returning to you.
    • May green be the grass you walk on, may blue be the skies above you, that pure be the joys that surround you, may true be the hearts that love you.
    • May you always find three welcomes in life: in a garden during summer, at a hearth during winter, and in the hearts of friends throughout all your years.
    • May you have: A world of wishes at your command. God and his angels close to hand. Friends and family their love impart, and Irish blessings in your heart.
    • May God be with you and bless you. May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness. From this day forward. [1]
    • 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 the raindrops fall lightly on your brow. May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you. And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
    • 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.
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Section 2 of 17:

Popular Irish Blessings

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  1. Bless everyone you know with these well-known Irish sayings. They include the iconic Irish blessing “May the road rise up to meet you,” as well as many other thoughtful wishes that range from the lighthearted to the memorable and heartfelt. Many of the sayings mention fulfilling work, love, and the stunning imagery found in nature.
    • May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
    • May brooks and trees and singing hills join in the chorus, too. And every gentle wind that blows send happiness to you.
    • May your feet never sweat, your neighbor gives you ne're a treat. When flowers bloom, I hope you'll not sneeze, and may you always have someone to squeeze!
    • May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
    • 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 the luck of the Irish possess you. May the devil fly off with your worries. May God bless you forever and ever.
    • For the test of the heart is trouble, and it always comes with years. And the smile that is worth the praises of earth is the smile that shines through the tears.
    • May all your troubles be little ones and all your little ones be trouble-free.
    • When the first light of sun, bless you. When the long day is done, bless you. In your smiles and your tears, bless you. Through each day of your years, bless you.
    • May you always have work for your hands to do. May your pockets hold always a coin or two. May the sun shine bright on your windowpane. May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain. May the hand of a friend always be near you. And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Section 3 of 17:

Short Irish Blessings

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  1. These succinct Irish phrases are small pieces of a larger culture that celebrate luck, love, and happiness. Some are simple ways to wish good health on others (Good health to you), while some emphasize what you need to do in order to reap what you sow.
    • May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need the most.
    • May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.
    • Let your heart be glad for the harvest done and may your winter be warm the whole season long. [2]
    • If you do not sow in the spring, you will not reap in the autumn.
    • May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch to your door, and happiness be your guest today and evermore.
    • Happiness being a dessert so sweet, may life give you more than you can ever eat. [3]
    • May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore!
    • May the most you wish for be the least you get.
    • The best way to keep loyalty in a man’s heart is to keep money in his purse.
    • Time is a great storyteller.
    • My seven blessings on you.
    • May you have the health to wear it.
    • A drink precedes a story.
    • Get on your knees and thank the Lord you're on your feet.
    • It’s no use boiling your cabbage twice.
    • I complained that I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.
    • Good on you.
    • Good health to you.
    • Every man is sociable until a cow invades his garden.
    • A trade not properly learned is an enemy.
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Section 4 of 17:

Witty Irish Blessings

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  1. Take advantage of Irish wit with blessings that have something to say. It may take a second read to get the real meaning of what these quotes and phrases have to say. Some of these Irish blessings are funny, while others are more poignant in their meaning. Either way, they’ll stay with you long after you’ve read them.
    • Here's that we may always have a clean shirt, a clean conscience and a punt in our pocket.
    • To live above with the Saints we love, ah, that is the purest glory. To live below with the Saints we know, ah, that is another story.
    • Here's to a fellow who smiles when life runs along like a song. And here's to the lad who can smile when everything goes dead wrong.
    • If God sends you down a stony path, may He give you strong shoes.
    • May you get all your wishes but one so you always have something to strive for. [4]
    • May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live.
    • Life is like a cup of tea, it's all in how you make it.
    • More power to your elbow.
    • You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.
    • The man with the boots does not mind where he places his foot.
Section 5 of 17:

Funny Irish Blessings

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  1. The Irish are known for their sense of humor, which appears multiple times throughout Irish blessings. Some of these laughter-inducing quotes involve day-to-day aspects of living on the land. Others crack jokes about their wives and sweethearts never meeting each other. Whichever you love best, it can entertain those around you who say these words with a smile.
    • May you have no frost on your spuds, no worms on your cabbage. May your goat give plenty of milk. And if you inherit a donkey, may she be in foal.
    • Grant me a sense of humor, Lord, the saving grace to see a joke, to win some happiness from life, and pass it on to other folk.
    • Here's to the health of your enemies' enemies.
    • 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 the Lord keep you in His hand and never close His fist too tight. [5]
    • Experience is the comb that life gives a bald man.
    • May those who love us love us. And those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts. And if He doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles, so we'll know them by their limping.
    • God is good, but never dance in a small boat.
    • May the grass grow long on the road to hell for want of use.
    • Here's to our wives, and here's to our sweethearts, may the two never meet!
    • Put silk on a goat, and it's still a goat.
    • May your troubles be as few and as far apart as my Grandmother’s teeth.
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Section 6 of 17:

Uplifting Irish Blessings

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  1. Encourage others with Irish words that inspire great life lessons. The wishes use nature to teach a lesson to the reader about different areas of life. Learning to deal with hard times is one, as well as recognizing how you grow stronger with each passing day. They can teach you how to look on the bright side of life, no matter what your experience is.
    • May the rains sweep gently across your fields, may the sun warm the land, may every good seed you have planted bear fruit, and may late summer find you standing in fields of plenty. [6]
    • Always remember to forget the troubles that passed away. But never forget to remember the blessings that come each day.
    • When a twig grows hard it is difficult to twist it. Every beginning is weak.
    • Like the goodness of the five loaves and two fishes, which God divided among the five thousand men, may the blessing of the King who so divided be upon our share of this common meal.
Section 7 of 17:

Irish Friendship Blessings

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  1. Cherish all that true friendship has to offer with these Irish sayings. Many of these blessings recognize that, no matter what you lose in life, your friends are still there to support you. They’re thankful for all that friends provide, including honesty, companionship, and a good time to be had. Celebrate your friends with these entertaining blessings that work just as well as a toast or celebratory speech.
    • There are good ships and there are wood ships, the ships that sail the sea. But the best ships are friendships, and may they always be.
    • ' Tis better to buy a small bouquet and give to your friend this very day, than a bushel of roses white and red to lay on his coffin after he's dead.
    • He who loses money loses much; He who loses a friend loses more; And he who loses faith loses all.
    • My friends are the best friends, loyal, willing and able. Now let's get to drinking! All glasses off the table!
    • May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. [7]
    • A friend's eye is a good mirror.
    • May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty.
    • May the friendships you make, be those which endure, and all of your grey clouds be small ones for sure. And trusting in Him to Whom we all pray, may a song fill your heart, every step of the way.
    • It is not a secret if it is known by three people.
    • When I count my blessings, I count you twice. May God bless you.
    • Always remember to forget the friends that proved untrue. But never forget to remember those that have stuck by you.
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Section 8 of 17:

Irish Travel Blessings

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  1. Roam anywhere in the world with Irish luck behind you. These Irish blessings offer protection for any weary traveler on the road, even if the road is life. They focus on simple pleasures, like Irish laughter or a free drink. Wherever you’re headed, these Irish quotes will keep you safe and sound until you arrive.
    • 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. [8]
    • 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. [9]
    • May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you're going, and the insight to know when you're going too far.
    • May the lilt of Irish laughter lighten every load.
Section 9 of 17:

Irish Wedding Blessings

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  1. Say cheers to your favorite couple with these words of love. They’re ideal to use as a wedding toast or include in a wedding greeting card for two people you care about. These Irish blessings celebrate romance in every way, from passion to companionship. They’re a wonderful way to wish the best to a couple getting married!
    • When the roaring flames of your love have burned down to embers, may you find that you’ve married your best friend.
    • 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.
    • May God be with you and bless you. May you see your children’s children. May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward. [10]
    • 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!
    • If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever.
    • 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.
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Section 10 of 17:

Irish Birthday Blessings

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  1. Irish sayings are incredibly descriptive, which makes for a birthday card greeting friends won’t forget. They’re celebratory, thoughtful, and funny. Wish your loved one a happy year ahead with words that don’t take life too seriously.
    • 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!
    • Always remember to forget the things that made you sad. But never forget to remember the things that made you glad.
    • As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way. [11]
    • When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let's all get drunk, and go to heaven!
    • May you live long, die happy, and rate a mansion in heaven.
    • May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing wrong.
Section 11 of 17:

Irish Funeral Blessings

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  1. Craft a unique send-off to loved ones who’ve passed away. From the kindest wishes intended to bless the person who’s passed to positive reminders of the preciousness of life, these messages leave their mark. They use singular Irish phrasing like, “may your bed be made in Heaven,” and find joy in grief. Most of all, these funeral readings will help you to celebrate a well-lived life.
    • May the joys of today be those of tomorrow. The goblets of life hold no dregs of sorrow.
    • We cannot share this sorrow if we haven't grieved awhile. Nor can we feel another's joy until we've learned to smile.
    • May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong. And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.
    • May their soul be on God's right hand.
    • May your bed be made in Heaven.
    • Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.
    • May the blessings of light be upon you, light without and light within. And in all your comings and goings, may you ever have a kindly greeting from them you meet on the road.
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Section 12 of 17:

St. Patrick’s Day Blessings

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  1. Show Irish pride with St. Patrick’s Day blessings loaded with luck. These quotes include traditional Irish imagery like shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows. It’s all about celebrating St. Patrick’s legacy and being thankful for the luck of the Irish. With these words under your belt, you’re sure to be ready for St. Patrick’s Day.
    • 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.
    • For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way: Good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day.
    • May you escape the gallows, avoid distress, and be as healthy as a trout. Wishing you a pot o' gold, and all the joy your heart can hold. [12]
    • May Saint Patrick guard you wherever you go, and guide you in whatever you do, and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always.
    • Like the warmth of the sun and the light of the day, may the luck of the Irish shine bright on your way.
    • May the leprechauns dance over your bed and bring you sweet dreams.
    • May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.
    • Wishing you a pot o’ gold, and all the joy your heart can hold.
    • May the leprechauns be near you, to spread luck along your way. And may all the Irish angels smile upon you on St. Patrick's Day.
    • St. Patrick was a gentleman who through strategy and stealth drove all the snakes from Ireland. Here's toasting to his health. But not too many toasts lest you lose yourself and then forget the good St. Patrick and see all those snakes again.
Section 13 of 17:

Irish Home Blessings

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  1. Whether you live in a castle, a cottage, or a regular house, you can use these blessings as a way to make it feel comforting. They’re focused on keeping your home protected from strife (and bad weather), while celebrating all the good things that live there, day and night.
    • May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch to your door and happiness be your guest today and evermore. [13]
    • Bless you and yours, as well as the cottage you live in. May the roof overhead be well-thatched, and those inside be well-matched.
    • 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 the roof above us never fall in. And may the friends gathered below it never fall out. [14]
    • May you be blessed with warmth in your home, love in your heart, peace in your soul and joy in your life
    • For this home and all therein be blessed with God’s love.
    • May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
    • There is no fireside like your own fireside.
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Section 14 of 17:

Irish Good Luck Blessings

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  1. Grab some of the luck of the Irish for yourself. These helpful phrases also use Irish symbols and imagery like the pot of gold and the rainbow to impart the power that being Irish has. These blessings wish for every good thing to find its way to you, and for every bad thing to get lost. Good fortune definitely favors the Irish and their powerful way with words.
    • May luck be your friend in whatever you do, and may trouble always be a stranger to you.
    • May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold, and at the end of your rainbows, may you find a pot of gold.
    • May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
    • May the luck of the Irish lead to happiest heights and the highway you travel be lined with green lights.
    • That the ten toes of your feet might always steer you clear of misfortune.
    • May the face of every good news and the back of every bad news be toward us.
Section 15 of 17:

Irish Long Life Blessings

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  1. Wish for longevity and a happy life with distinct Irish phrases. They range from blessings that show thankfulness for life to funny phrases about God loving you (but not too much or too soon). Lessons on how to enjoy a long, fruitful life are ahead and they’ll make you laugh and feel appreciation for every day you have.
    • May you always find three welcomes in life, in a garden during summer, at a hearth during winter and in the hearts of friends throughout all your years. [15]
    • Health and long life to you, land without rent to you, a child every year to you, if you can't go to Heaven, may you die in Ireland.
    • Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.
    • May the Good Lord take a liking to you, but not too soon!
    • An old Irish recipe for longevity: Leave the table hungry. Leave the bed sleepy. Leave the bar thirsty.
    • May you live a long life full of gladness and health, with a pocket full of gold as the least of your wealth.
    • May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent!
    • Here's to your coffin! May your coffin have six handles of finest silver! May your coffin be carried by six fair young maids! And may your coffin be made of finest wood from a 100-year-old tree, that I'll go plant tomorrow!
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Section 16 of 17:

Blessings about Ireland

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  1. Share the love for the Emerald Isle with blessings focused on Ireland. These quotes focus on Ireland itself, as well as the magical Irish people that inhabit the island. They mention luck, mirth, and the straightforward ability to problem solve that the Irish are known for. If you’re looking for cute blessings that speak about how lucky the Irish are to be Irish, these phrases are for you.
    • An Irish method for tackling problems: There comes a time when you must take the bull by the tail and face the situation squarely.
    • May the mist of Irish magic shorten every road, and may your friends remember the favors you are owed.
    • If you're lucky enough to be Irish...you're lucky enough!
    • There are only two kinds of people in the world: the Irish, and those who wish they were.
    • Ireland, it's the one place on earth that heaven has kissed with melody, mirth, and meadow and mist.
    • May the enemies of Ireland never meet a friend.
    • May your heart be warm and happy with the lilt of Irish laughter every day in every way and forever and ever after.
Section 17 of 17:

Irish Prayers

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  1. These short Irish prayers say all they need to with just a few words. They wish the best for anyone who hears them and asks God for protection from harm. The phrases focus on grace, luck, and good fortune to come to whoever is there to listen.
    • The grace of God on you.
    • May God put luck upon you.
    • God between us and all harm.
    • Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
      I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the oneness of the Creator of creation.
      [16]
    • May the blessing of light be on you—light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire.
      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 blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.
      May luck be a friend to ye, and be with ye in all yer days, and may trouble be to ye, a stranger, always.
    • 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.
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