When you think of Ireland or the Irish, green likely comes to mind—and there’s good reason for that. From traditional shamrocks to hue-tinted St. Patrick’s Day treats, the color seems to appear everywhere. Have you ever wondered why? Here are a few of the top reasons why Ireland will have you seeing green.
The Countryside
Nicknamed “The Emerald Isle,” Ireland’s landscape is, well, green. The rolling landscape seems to be filled with every range of the color from light pea-green shades to rich jade hues. With the countryside being filled with the color, it’s only natural that it would carry over into all the things Irish.
The Shamrock
The aforementioned landscape no doubt contains a seemingly infinite amount of shamrocks. These first became noteworthy when St. Patrick used shamrocks to explain the holy trinity to the Celts in an effort to convert them to Catholicism. Since that time they have become a badge of Irish pride, thus their brilliant green can be seen wherever they are used.
The Flag
The green in Ireland’s tricolor flag is meant to represent Ireland’s Catholic heritage and nationalism, while the orange represents the protestant minority. The white between the two represents peace. Thus, the green is a source of pride, making it all the more popular.
Visited in 2014 with my husband. Was astounded with the many brilliant shades of green, and blue, and red, and…. The showers that would blow through each day just seemed to keep it that way. Most rainbows we’ve seen ever, too!
I have been to beautiful Ireland and yes, the greens are a sight! I can’t wait to go back and breathe the fresh air and enjoy the wonderful people of Ireland.
Finally I know why the orange is on the flag! ? My heritage is an Irish Catholic mother and Protestant father. Good to know both faiths are on the flag.
Good one. My grandmother wouldn’t eat orange jello.
I think the orange on the flag should be much smaller to represent Ireland as it is.
How true it is! I never imagined seeing so many shades of green! ?
I have been to Ireland twice and I have never seen anything so beautiful especially when you fly in the shades of green are unbelievable.
The view from the plane as we were landing in Shannon was breathtaking, and made me think that God did bless Ireland with it’s special beauty.
I do agree.
I always loved the story of St. Patrick and the shamrock and have a tattoo to honor him
I have been to Ireland and it is truly green. Absolutely the most beautiful place i have ever been. Brilliant greens of shades that are hard to describe. The grass at the house we rented was almost chartreuse green. Stunningly beautiful country. And the Irish people are just as pleasant as the island is beautiful. ?
The holy Trinity should be in capital letters
The Holy Trinity should always be in caps.
40 shades of GREEN comes to mind. It was one of my mother’s favorite sayings.
Very nice explanation. I’ve been there and have seen the many different greens along the roadside. There is also a green there that is like no other green ever seen.
One of the most beautiful things I have seen is the many shades of the green countryside when flying into Shannon airport.
Also, green was the colour of sympathy for independence in the late 18th Century when Ireland was still struggling for independence from Britain – so much so the Britain actually banned the “wearing of the green” around that time.
As an American I’m proud of the American Flag as an Irish American I’m equally proud of the Irish Flag. Of the three colors in the Irish Flag I like that the white stands for peace…something this world could use more of.