The Meaning Behind Common Irish Heraldic Symbols

Why Symbols Matter in Irish Heraldry 

Each Irish coat of arms tells a story—and symbols are the language it’s told in. Whether carved into stone or painted on parchment, these icons weren’t chosen at random. They held meaning, belief, and a message meant to last.

If you’ve ever wondered what the animal, shape, or colour in your family crest represents, here’s your guide.

1. Animals in Irish Heraldry 

Animals often represent personal virtues, clan strengths, or mythological references. In Irish crests, these are especially common:

1. Lion: Bravery, leadership, honour in battle

2. Stag/Deer: Peace, purity, and a noble spirit

3. Wolf: Loyalty, family unity, protection

4. Boar: Courage, fearlessness, and fighting spirit

5. Eagle: Nobility, high vision, and strength

6. Salmon: Wisdom and knowledge (from Irish mythology)

Each animal reflects a value or legacy passed down through generations.

2. Irish Objects and Tools 

Heraldic objects tell us about professions, heritage, and regional traits:

1. Harp: Ireland itself, poetry, and culture

2. Sword/Spear: Readiness to defend family or land

3. Bell: Religious heritage or association with monks

4. Crown: Leadership or noble service

5. Cross: Christian faith and heritage

These are not just ornamental—they’re identity in image form.

3. Plants and Nature Symbols 

Ireland’s deep connection to the land shines through in family crests:

1. Oak Tree/Leaves: Strength, endurance, family roots

2. Shamrock: Faith, hope, and Irish identity

3. Wheat or Corn: Prosperity and hard work

4. Mountains or Rivers: Homeland pride and place-based identity

Nature-based symbols often mark origin, legacy, and resilience.

4. Geometric Heraldic Shapes 

Geometric shapes have meaning too—often related to unity, protection, or history:

1. Chevron: Protection, often symbolising a builder or defender

2. Fess (horizontal stripe): Military service

3. Crosses: Variations can mark different faith meanings

4. Bend (diagonal band): Honour and defence

The way the crest is arranged holds visual clues about the family story.

5. Colour Meanings in Irish Coats of Arms 

Colours add even more symbolism. Here’s what the most common colours often represent:

1. Red (Gules): Warrior’s courage and martyrdom

2. Blue (Azure): Loyalty, truth, and wisdom

3. Green (Vert): Irish identity, hope, and rebirth

4. Gold (Or): Generosity, faith, and prestige

5. Black (Sable): Strength, wisdom in adversity

These colour meanings stretch across European heraldry but have special weight in Irish tradition.

Reading Between the Lines 

Understanding your family crest means looking at the full picture—animals, symbols, colours, and arrangement. It’s like reading a story in code. The more you learn about heraldic symbols, the clearer the message becomes.

Your crest doesn’t just represent the past—it’s a message carried into the future.