Soulful and Stylish Irish Tattoos

Irish tattoos come in a great variety of styles, stemming from the rich and varied artistic traditions that are part of Irish cultures. The Irish have a soulful, spiritual and very colorful culture - and Irish tattoos reflect the full spectrum of it. From Celtic tattoos to the classic Claddagh heart, to religious tattoos such as the Celtic cross, these tattoos are a great way to celebrate your appreciation for Irish and Celtic heritage.

A Celtic Cross Tattoo

Irish culture, as we know it today, is the result of several distinct influences -all of which are reflected in Irish tattoos and other related tattoo designs. The earliest, and in some ways still the strongest, Irish influence is Celtic culture. The Celts were an ancient people who once lived throughout Europe, settling in the British Isles around the time of the early Roman Empire. The Celts had a fabulous body of art, consisting of beautiful and complex knotwork and stylized images taken from nature. The most popular type of Irish tattoo is the Celtic tattoo. These tattoo designs are very well suited to a bold, black tattoo.

The Irish are very well aware of their Celtic heritage, and they celebrate it in a variety of ways. However, many Irish are also very religious, and there are many religious tattoos that are also representative of Irish culture. Irish Catholics are usually well versed in the lives of the saints, for example, and though 'saint' tattoos might be more typical of Hispanic tattoos, you do find these images among Irish tattoos as well. Of course, there is also the beautiful Celtic cross, which represents an amalgamation of Celtic and Christian imagery.

The third type of Irish tattoo is one that reflects Irish folklore, which is related to both the Celtic and Christian traditions, yet distinct from both. Irish tattoos that represent Irish folklore consist of images that we customarily identify as 'typically' Irish - the shamrock, the leprechaun, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. These tattoo designs have a timeless, popular appeal, as does the classic 'Claddagh heart', and image consisting of a heart, two hands and a crown. You may have seen this heart as part of a jewelry image - it's a popular Irish ring. The Irish are very patriotic, and tend to be rather sentimental about their love for their culture - which would explain the growing popularity of Irish tattoos.

Among the most popular designs found in Irish tattoos are that of the claddaugh and clover. While there are other variations and images that can be used in Irish tattoos, these are two of the most widely requested and are not confined to only those who are of Irish descent but are universal symbols enjoyed by everyone.

Irish tattoos - the claddaugh

The claddaugh is a symbol of love and features a heart in the center, which is embraced by a pair of hands. If the claddaugh is facing away from your heart, it means that your heart is available. If, on the other hand, the claddaugh is pointing toward your heart, it means that your heart is taken. This symbol is common not only in Irish tattoos, but also a popular design in jewelry with the most notable being rings.

Irish tattoos - the clover

The clover, which is another popular design of Irish tattoos, is most widely recognized as a symbol of good luck. The four leaf clover especially is considered good fortune and, as such, is a popular design in not only Irish tattoos but for anyone who wishes to have good luck with them wherever they go. Because a clover would be small, it could be tattooed almost anywhere, including the neck, arm, shoulder, lower back, ankle, etc.

Most tattoo parlors will have image samples of designs that they can provide, but individuals may also want to consider having a more active role in the outcome of their tattoo. An example would be someone who flips through magazines or searches for art renderings in order to find a unique image that they would like to have recreated as a tattoo. Irish tattoos are used to define meanings and imagery, but are not confined to only those who are Irish as is evident with the claddaugh and/or clover designs.

Before the purchase or application of Irish tattoos, an individual should make sure that the artist is properly trained and licensed to produce a safe and quality tattoo. Any tattoo, including Irish tattoos, is not to be applied by an amateur or anyone who has not been properly trained in the handling and sterilization of tattoo equipment. If you have any questions about the safety of your tattoo, be sure to ask the artist who applies it. He/she will bandage the site of the tattoo and provide you with instructions on how to avoid infection and general care for the site until it has completely healed.