59 Irish Sayings and Proverbs and Their Meanings

As a young lad growing up in Ireland, I’d often hear my elderly relatives using what they called ‘seanfhocail’—old Irish proverbs, packed with wit, wisdom, and the occasional well-aimed warning.

Some, of these famous Irish sayings, like ‘A silent mouth is sweet to hear’, would provide words of wisdom during challenging times.

Others, like ‘Broken Irish is better than clever English’, take a little figuring out before their meaning hits home.

Below, you’ll find a collection of Irish quotes that I’ve gathered up over the years along with what they mean. Enjoy!

Old Irish proverbs and famous Irish sayings

Words of Irish wisdom can be a little hard to get your head around the first time you read them, so be patient.

Many of the famous Irish sayings below can be found translated into Irish in my Gaelic sayings guide.

1. As old as Methuselah’s cat

Methuselah is a figure from the Bible who was known for his exceptionally long lifespan.

This Irish proverb is used to describe something/someone that is very old.

2. Don’t sell your hen on a wet day

One of many Irish sayings with a farming theme, this expression suggests that you shouldn’t make big decisions during unfavourable circumstances.

The “wet day” symbolises bad times/situations while the “hen” symbolises something valuable.

3. Broken Irish is better than clever English

“Broken Irish is better than clever English” suggests that it’s better to try to speak ones native language, or the native language of a country that you’re visiting, rather than reverting to English/your own language.

The listener will almost always appreciate your effort.

4. He’d drink the Liffey

The Irish proverb “He’d drink the Liffey dry” is used to describe someone that’s too fond of drinking.

The Liffey is a large river that flows through Dublin.

5. An old dog for a hard road

This Irish quote alludes to the fact that experience reigns supreme during difficult times.

The “old dog” is the experienced person. It’s due to the experience that they have amassed over the years that they are able to tackle the tricky or tough task/situation.

6. I knew him since his boots cost fourpence

One of the more obvious Irish proverbs, this is used to describe someone that you knew since they were very young.

The rising scale of footwear prices is used as a metaphor for the person in questions age.

7. As many corners as a bag of turf

This one can be used to describe a person or thing that is of an irregular shape.

For example, “Did you see the state of the cake he made your mother? It has more corners than a bag of turf”!

8. It would fit Fionn Mac Cumhaill

One of the more humorous old sayings in Ireland, the Fionn Mac Cumhaill in question is a legendary figure from Irish folklore that was known to be very large.

The proverb “It would fit Fionn Mac Cumhaill” refers to something being very big.

9. A blind man is a bad judge of colour

This bit of Irish wisdom means that someone who hasn’t met someone/experienced something can’t give an accurate impression of them/it.

For example, a person might say they dislike someone, despite having never met them.

10. Never buy through your ears but through your eyes

It recommends that the listener doesn’t buy something or judge someone/something based on what they hear – they should experience it for themselves and then decide.

11. Many a good tree grew on shallow ground

One of the more meaningful old Irish proverbs in this guide alludes to the fact that it doesn’t matter where someone is from.

The “Good tree” i.e. a great person and “Shallow ground” i.e. a less than desirable place. As a whole, it means that it doesn’t matter where someone got their start in life, they can still be brilliant .

12. No mornings sun lasts all day

While there are some funny Irish sayings, there are just as many that can hit you with a clatter and make you stop and think.

“No mornings sun lasts all day” is an proverb used to remind the listener that all good things come to an end, so enjoy them while they last.

13. As awkward as a pig in a parlour

Pigs are generally not the most graceful of creatures and they’re used to big open spaces. This is used to describe someone that’s acting awkwardly.

14. Time and patience brings a snail to Cork

This is one of the more famous Irish sayings that acts as a reminder that the path of a goal or a desired location isn’t always smooth and the journey isn’t always fast – time and patience are required.

15. Hunger is good sauce

There are a couple of ways to interpret this one – the first is the most obvious – hunger will make anything taste that bit better.

The second is that having a want that’s driven by a physical need makes something all the more enjoyable, similar to “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”.

16. All his geese are swans

This one is generally used to describe someone that has a tendency to exaggerate.

It implies that a person is describing themselves or something they have done or have in their possession to be far grander than the reality.

17. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past

You’ll often see this next phrase used alongside different Irish toasts, as it’s a well wish, or as an Irish blessing, as it is a wish for someone’s future.

It offers hope that the worst day of your future is no worse than the happiest day you experienced to that point.

18. The full person does not understand the needs of the hungry

There are two ways to interpret this quote – the first is that if you’ve never been hungry, you can’t understand what starvation feels like.

The second is that, if you’ve never been in a certain situation, you can never truly emphasise with a person that has.

19. An empty sack cannot stand

The most accepted interpretation of this old Irish saying is that it describes a person doing manual labor who is in need of a break.

Metaphorically, the “empty sack” represents the person—exhausted and in need of food and water.

20. Wilful waste makes woeful want

An old Irish proverb that’s very applicable to many people in this day and age, this nugget of wisdom describes the consequence of wastefulness and extravagance.

It alludes to the fact that deliberately squandering something can often lead to want in the future.

21. The longest way around is the shortest way home

The phrase “The longest way round is the shortest way home” suggests that, sometimes, taking a more indirect route to achieve a goal can actually be more efficient in the long run.

It is one of the old Irish sayings made famous by James Joyce, particularly fans of his book ‘Ulysses’.

22. Never scald your lips with another man’s porridge

There are two interpretations of this Seanfhocal. The first suggests it’s a piece of advice, warning the listener not to interfere in someone else’s affairs.

The second is a more cautionary take, serving as a warning against having an affair with another man’s wife.

23. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear

There are many Irish sayings that would ‘cut ya’ as we’d say in Ireland. In other words, they are used to describe a person in a less than positive way (see my Irish insults guide for more!).

This is a way of saying that you can’t turn something that’s of poor quality (or bad in nature) into something that’s high quality (or good in nature).

24. Many a ship is lost within sight of the harbour

Another of the Irish proverbs with a fine bit of advice behind it, this phrase reminds the listener to not count their chickens before they’ve hatched.

Just because the end/the goal is in sight doesn’t mean the desired outcome is guaranteed.

25. It is not a fish until it is on the bank

The next of the old Irish sayings is similar to the last in that it reminds the listener that nothing is certain until the outcome has been realised.

It conjures up an image of a fisherman with what they think is a great big salmon at the end of their line. However, when they get it out of the water they realise that it is actually a kettle…

26. As crooked as the hind leg of a dog

This is a colourful way of describing something that is of an odd shape or a person that operates in a shady manner.

The hind leg of a dog sits at an angle. I.e. whatever you’re describing is crooked/bent while “crooked” is Irish slang for someone behaving in a shady manner.

27. Long fair long foul

This is one of the less-common Irish sayings and it’s used to describe the often awful weather in Ireland.

It means that if we have a long spell of decent weather, it’s likely we’ll have a long spell of bad weather to follow it.

28. A friend’s eye is a good mirror

A real friend can give you good, honest feedback on a situation, regardless of whether it’s something you did or a if it’s a feature of your person.

29. A hole is more honourable than a patch

This means that it’s often better to leave something as it is, rather than try and fix its flaw. It’s sometimes used as a way of encouraging someone to forget an imperfection.

30. Building castles in the air

If you’ve ever met a person that’s big on fantasising or who often drums up colourful situations in their head that will likely never materialise, this old Irish proverb is for you.

It describes someone that daydreams, fantasies, or creates elaborate and unrealistic plans.

31. You never miss the water till the well has run dry

This Irish quote serves as a reminder that we often don’t appreciate something until it’s gone.

It highlights how some people only truly recognize the value of something once they no longer have it.

32. The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune

Similar to the “The older the grape the sweeter the wine”, this is one of several old Irish proverbs that has many different forms.

The expression “The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune” is a way of saying that, as people age, they often become wiser.

33. The truth never choked a man

This one is used to convey that telling the truth doesn’t hurt. It explains that telling the truth, no matter how hard it may be, won’t hurt you.

34. It is too late to spare when all is spent

As you’ll now be aware, there are many old Irish proverbs that recommend the listener to be conservative and to avoid waste.

This one conveys the idea that you can’t start saving/sparing something after heavily depleting it.

35. Cows from over the sea have long horns

I have most often heard this used when a person was talking about how great something in a far off place was, the thought being that, because something was in some cool far-off land, it was somehow superior.

36. It’s often a person’s mouth breaks his nose

Few old sayings in Ireland are as applicable to many as this one!

This is a figurative way of saying that people who either talk too much, get involved in other people’s business or talk none-sense can lead themselves into less than desirable situations.

37. A silent mouth is sweet to hear

This famous Irish quote suggests that silence is golden as talk/conversation can do more harm than good.

For example, a person might be in a bad situation – they’ve been getting unwanted advice from all of their family, and it has them stressed.

As a friend, sitting and listening to their problem might be better than talking/giving advice.

38. Two-thirds of help is to give courage

This emphasises how important it is to give a personal emotional support and encouragement when they are facing a problem.

39. It is not the noisiest who bears most or labours hardest

One of the Irish proverbs that deserves a place in offices around the world, this saying reminds us that the loudest person in the room isn’t always the hardest worker—despite their noise making it seem otherwise.

40. Put silk on a goat and it is still a goat

This alludes to to the fact that changing how something looks on the outside doesn’t change what lies beneath.

For example, let’s say you have an old rusty car that barely drives. You could paint it red and give it new wheels, but the engine would still be wrecked.

41. Better one good thing that is, than two good things that were

This suggests that you should appreciate the thing you have, whether it be health or a job, and not to be focusing on things you no longer have.

42. When the drop is inside the sense is outside

The next of the Irish sayings that warns about the perils of drinking Irish whiskey is one that warns what happens when drink is being consumed.

Usually used when something negative has happened during a situation when a person was drinking, it means that, when someone/people are drinking, all common sense leaves the situation.

43. That which is not necessary is pleasant

This suggests that people can often get enjoyment from non-essential tasks.

For example, we as humans often like to indulge in extravagance that, while not necessary to our survival, is enjoyable none the less.

44. He’d curse the face off a map.

This is a way of describing a person that uses curses regularly when talking.

There are a hundred and one Irish curses out there and many of them are used as part of everyday life here in Ireland.

45. You have a tongue that would pick a lock

If you know a person that has the ability to wrangle themselves out of certain situations or convince people easily, this old Irish proverb will be suitable

It suggests someone is persuasive, skilled at manipulation or has the ability to convince others.

46. Talk of the devil, and he will appear

This Irish idiom suggests that when you mention someone or something, usually in a negative context, they’ll coincidentally appear.

47. A cabin with plenty of food is better than a hungry castle

This suggests that basic needs, like food and a roof over your head, are all you really need.

You often hear of people living extravagant lives while undertaking extreme levels of debt. Opt for practical over luxury.

48. A good start is half the work

The Irish proverb “A good start is half the work” emphasises the importance of beginning a task on the right foot.

It suggests that, by starting in a favourable manner, you’ll have an easier path ahead and the task will be easier on the whole.

49. May today be better than yesterday, but, not as good as tomorrow

This is an optimistic expression that wishes the listener a great day today and a better tomorrow.

You’ll often see used as an Irish drinking toast, as it wishes the listener good fortune and prosperity.

50. Tis a folly to be wise where ignorance is bliss

This suggests that there are some situations where you’re better off knowing nothing, as you’ll be happier that way than if you knew the real story.

51. Hindsight is the best insight to foresight

It’s easy to have an experience, whether it be good or bad, and not learn anything from it. 

It suggests that the listener should lean on past experiences, gain insight from them, and use those learnings to help them in the future.

52. May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live

Arguably one of the most famous Irish wedding blessings, this is often used as a toast, due to its sentiment.

It offers well wishes for a long and comfortable life.

53. Any man can lose his hat in a fairy wind

One of the more unusual Celtic proverbs, this suggests that unexpected events and situations can happen to the best of us.

Just as a hat can be blown away during an unexpected gust of wind, a situation that you didn’t expect/for-see can come along and wreck the best made plans.

52. A new broom sweeps clean, but an old broom knows the corners

Another one that emphasises the importance of experience gained over time, the “new broom” in this instance is new and shiny and does the job.

However, the “old broom”, with its vast experience, knows the nuances and secrets that one only learns with time and dedication.

53. A good run is better than a bad stand

One of the few Irish proverbs for promoting risk, this saying hints that you’re often better off taking action (“a good run”) even if the outcome is uncertain.

The reason for this is that you’re often better off taking action instead of doing nothing (the “bad stand”).

54. The day will come when the cow will have use for her tail

This implies that something that may seem unnecessary or useless may eventually be needed.

There are often things in life, both personal and work, that we might think about getting rid of. However, despite how insignificant they may seem, there may come a time when they’re needed.

55. It’s better to pay the butcher than the doctor

Another of the old Irish sayings that’s very appropriate for a society that often prioritises convenient foods over nutritious foods is this one.

It suggests that you’re better off investing in a good diet now, rather than eating crap and having to visit the doctor to treat problems brought on by bad food later in life.

56. The slow horse reaches the mill

There are a handful of Irish sayings that suggest that the quickest way to reach a desired destination, is to take is nice and steady.

This conveys the idea that persistence and determination pave a better path to success when compared to trying to get to the finish line as fast as possible.

57. Good luck comes in slender currents, misfortune in a rolling tides

There are two ways to interpret this Seanfhocal. The first is as a warning that good luck doesn’t come around often, while bad luck tends to be more frequent.

The second suggests that misfortune and hardship are often more common than good times—so when fortune does smile on you, be sure to appreciate it.

58. Complain that you have no shoes until you meet a man who has no feet

Although I heard variations of Irish sayings like this one while growing up in Dublin, I’ve also heard it used in the UK and versions in the US, too.

It encourages the listener to be grateful for what they have, as there is always someone worse off.

59. Lose an hour in the morning you’ll be looking for it all day

This alludes to the fact that if you don’t start the morning right, and on time, you’ll be chasing your tail for the rest of the day.

What famous Irish quotes have I missed?

I’ve no doubt that there are plenty of famous Irish sayings about life and beyond that I’ve missed in this guide.

If you have any favourite famous Irish quotes, please let me know in the comments below.