Flags in Ireland

Flags in Ireland : the must-haves

Drapeau : Croix de Saint Patrick - gilbertc

Flag: Saint Patrick’s cross

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Le drapeau Union Jack d'Irlande du Nord - © MedleyofPhotography

Cultural identity in Ireland Flags in Ireland

The flag in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has several distinctive flags. But the only official flag of the English province is the Union Jack. Find out what it means.

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Cultural identity in Ireland Flags in Ireland

Flag of the Republic of Ireland

Discover the history and significance of the flag of the Republic of Ireland. A flag with a message of peace and unity!

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Cultural identity in Ireland Flags in Ireland

The Ulster flag

The Ulster flag is a complex blend of Irish and British history, reflecting the events that have shaped the province over the centuries.

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In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, flags hold importance and have precise meanings. To help you navigate, here is a brief overview of the different Irish banners used daily, whether to represent the Irish Republic, Northern Ireland, or the Irish Provinces…

Flags of the Republic of Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, the most commonly seen flag is the green, white, and orange tricolor, representing the Irish state, excluding Northern Ireland.

Created by the Young Ireland Movement, it features green (Gaels), white (Peace), and orange (Orangemen).

The presidential standard is also used during official political events.

It is especially displayed on Saint Patrick’s Day, when the Irish proudly display their banners to celebrate their Irish identity!

Flags of Northern Ireland

Union Jack

The Union Jack is the flag of the United Kingdom. It is a superimposition of the flags of England, Scotland, and the Saint Patrick’s Flag representing Ireland.

Saint Patrick’s Flag (or Saint Patrick’s Cross)

Saint Patrick’s Flag symbolizes Saint Patrick, the patron saint of the Irish. It is mainly used by unionists.

The Sunburst Flag

The Sunburst Flag is used by nationalists and republicans. It depicts a sun on a blue background.

Starry Plough

The Starry Plough is used to represent nationalists, republicans, and socialists.

Flags of the Irish Provinces

Description
Flag of Connacht The Flag of Connacht represents the Irish counties in the central-west part of the Republic of Ireland. It features an eagle and a hand armed with a sword.
Flag of Leinster The Flag of Leinster represents the eastern counties of the Republic of Ireland. It depicts Brian Boru’s Harp on a dark green background.
Flag of Mide The Flag of Mide refers to a former Irish province including the counties of Meath and Westmeath. It is symbolized by a king seated on his throne, on a light blue background.
Flag of Munster The Flag of Munster represents the southwestern Irish counties. It features three crowns on a blue background.
Flag of Ulster The Flag of Ulster represents the six counties of Northern Ireland. It depicts the Saint George’s Cross and the hand of O’Neill (a once very influential family in the province).

Description

Flag of Connacht

The Flag of Connacht represents the Irish counties in the central-west part of the Republic of Ireland. It features an eagle and a hand armed with a sword.

Flag of Leinster

The Flag of Leinster represents the eastern counties of the Republic of Ireland. It depicts Brian Boru’s Harp on a dark green background.

Flag of Mide

The Flag of Mide refers to a former Irish province including the counties of Meath and Westmeath. It is symbolized by a king seated on his throne, on a light blue background.

Flag of Munster

The Flag of Munster represents the southwestern Irish counties. It features three crowns on a blue background.

Flag of Ulster

The Flag of Ulster represents the six counties of Northern Ireland. It depicts the Saint George’s Cross and the hand of O’Neill (a once very influential family in the province).