Irish Clip Art

The Irish constitute an ethnic group originating from Ireland with shared Celtic cultural aspects and Gaelic languages. While 6.9 million people reside on the island itself, over 80 million individuals worldwide claim Irish ancestry spread across diasporas in Britain, America, Canada and Australia due to various emigration waves caused by famine, conflict and lack of local opportunities through history.

History and Politics of Ireland

Successive tribal kingdoms warred until Ireland became a patchwork of forces jockeying between Gaelic chieftains and invading Vikings by the 12th century. Anglo-Norman conquests led by Strongbow in 1169 followed by Tudor monarch Henry VIII declaring himself King of Ireland brought the island under English control by the 16th century, completing the “Old English” community absorbing some customs like language while denying Catholic rights. Irish nationalism catalyzed the bloody 1916 Easter Rising and 1921 independence from Britain, although 6 counties in Ulster province continue as Northern Ireland – with Catholic and Protestant groups contesting political power resulting in sectarian violence continuing through the 20th century “Troubles” before the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.

Traditions and Customs

Despite hardships, the Irish passionately maintained cultural practices in music, dances like jigs and reels performed in festivals, epic storytelling through poets and novelists from W.B Yeats to James Joyce symbolizing the literary renaissance in turn inspiring bands like U2. Competitive sports constitute a national obsession with native games like Gaelic football, hurling and boxing.

Mythology and Folklore

Pre-Christian myths populated the land with leprechauns, wishing guardian fairies, terrifying banshees heralding deaths – which persisted through 19th century tale collectors crossing with Christian sainthood narratives still evident in naming traditions.

Irish Landscapes

While Dublin offers vibrant city living with medieval sites like Christchurch Cathedral, much attraction still thrives along the coasts and surf-pounded cliffs like the spectacular Giant’s Causeway or ruins like Blarney Castle home to its mythical stone gifting eloquence for those who dare kiss it!

Irish Diaspora

Political unrest and the great potato famine spelled disaster for Ireland in the 19th century – with millions embarking from Cobh port for faraway chances on American soil and British industrial towns, yet nurturing their roots through generations. Barack Obama uncovered his Irish mother’s heritage proving ongoing influence.

Irish Symbols

National imagery frequently involves the shamrock 3-leaf clover St. Patrick allegedly used when evangelizing pagan kingdoms. Likewise ubiquitous harps symbolize musical legacies, while Claddagh rings signifying love and loyalty get traded between friends and lovers.

Irish Cuisine and Drink

Hearty home cooking stews chunks of lamb and beef often paired with Guinness beer or layered potatoes. Soda bread makes regular appearances on breakfast tables with strong tea. Whiskey distilling maintains traditions explored at the Jameson Experience.

Famous Irish People

Oscar Wilde epitomized witty Irish writers succeeding on West End stages. Meanwhile musicians carry the Irish brand globally – Bono and U2’s soaring arena rock, Bob Geldof’s charity fundraising prowess, Shane McGowan and the Pogues’ raucous twists on folk. Liam Neeson and Colin Farrell represent Irishmen sought after in Hollywood.

Depictions of Irishness in Clip Art

Expat longing for the ould country concentrates Irish stereotypes into fonts full of shamrocks, bearded red-headed men in Aran knits hoisting pints of beer rainbows leading to pots of gold! Hallmark leprechauns feel far less troublesome than sectarian associations beyond the greeting card aisles. In recovering from narrow views, perhaps we see traces of enduring Irish identity in such symbols – fantastical humor and camaraderie binding up wounds from the motherland carried both in memory and g

In this page clipartix present 55 irish clipart images free for designing activities. Lets download Irish Clip Art that you want to use for works or personal uses.