Irish blessings are famous for their warmth, poetry and gentle humor. Passed down for generations, they are spoken at weddings, wakes, farewells and around the table on St. Patrick’s Day.
Below you will find well-known traditional Irish blessings, which are folk sayings with no single author, plus new blessings our editors wrote in the same spirit for modern occasions.
The most beloved traditional Irish blessings
- “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.” — Traditional Irish blessing
- “May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields.” — Traditional Irish blessing
- “And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” — Traditional Irish blessing
- “May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead.” — Traditional Irish toast
- “May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.” — Traditional Irish blessing
Irish blessings for weddings
For toasts, cards and ceremonies.
- May your love be like the Irish hills: strong, green and always there.
- May your marriage be blessed with laughter, a warm hearth and many good friends.
- May the two of you share a long road with light at every turn.
- May your days together be full of music, kindness and good company.
- May your hands be forever clasped in friendship and your hearts joined in love.
- May God be with you and bless you, and may you see your children’s children.
- May your troubles be few and your blessings be many.
- May the saints and angels watch over your home.
Irish birthday blessings
For cards and toasts.
- May your year be long on laughter and short on worry.
- May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light this year.
- May good luck follow you and joy find you on your birthday.
- May your glass be full and your friends be near.
- May the year ahead bring you warmth, laughter and good craic.
- May every birthday be merrier than the last.
- May your heart be warm and your feet be dancing.
- Happy birthday, and may the luck of the Irish be yours.
Irish blessings for farewells and travel
For goodbyes and journeys.
- May the road be kind and the weather be fair.
- May you always have a friend at the next crossroads.
- May the light guide you home when the journey is done.
- Go safely, and may the green fields welcome you back.
- May your travels be merry and your return be soon.
- May every door you knock on open to a friend.
- May your road be smooth and your heart be glad.
- Until we meet again, may your days be bright.
Irish blessings for comfort and loss
For funerals, wakes and sympathy cards.
- May the love of those who went before you comfort you now.
- May the gentle rain soften your sorrow.
- May your memories be a warm fire on cold nights.
- May your loved one rest easy in the arms of God.
- May the sorrow you feel today be softened by love tomorrow.
- May the angels lead them home.
- May peace find you, and may it stay.
- May the light of heaven shine on the one you love.
Irish blessings for St. Patrick’s Day and home
For March 17 and everyday cheer.
- May your St. Patrick’s Day be full of luck, laughter and green.
- May the luck of the Irish find you today and stay all year.
- May your home be warm, your kettle be full and your door be open.
- May your house be snug on stormy nights and bright on sunny mornings.
- May your heart be full of song and your table full of friends.
- May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks.
- May joy and peace surround you and luck be at your side.
- Sláinte! To your health and happiness.
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How we put this list together: Traditional blessings are clearly labeled as folk sayings with no single author. Other blessings are original lines written by our editors. Written and reviewed by John Moler, editor at Graceful Names. See our editorial policy.
