66 Old Irish Proverbs and Meanings (Irish Wisdom)

As a young lad growing up in Ireland, I’d often hear my family’s older generation use what they called Seanfhocal – the Irish word for ‘old words’.

These old Irish proverbs, passed down through generations, pack more truth and wit into a single line than most could manage in a paragraph.

Below is a collection of famous Irish proverbs and their meanings. Some are wise, some witty, and plenty describe someone that ‘acts the maggot’. Enjoy!

Old Irish proverbs and meanings explained

The first section contains some of the more famous Irish quotes, with a mix of well-known sayings that have had their fair share of use.

Some make sense on the first read, while others require a bit of consideration. Not what you’re looking for? See my guides to Irish slang, Irish insults, Irish toasts and Irish blessings.

1. Broken Irish is better than clever English

It’s better to try to speak one’s native language, or the native language of a country that you’re visiting, rather than reverting to English/your own language. The listener will appreciate your effort.

2. A good start is half the work

This old Irish proverb emphasises the importance of beginning a task on the right foot. By starting in a favourable manner, you’ll have an easier path ahead.

3. Many a good tree grew on shallow ground

This means that it doesn’t matter where someone is from. The “Good tree” is the great person and “Shallow ground” is the less than desirable place.

4. Hunger is good sauce

An old Irish proverb meaning that food always tastes better when you’re hungry, but it can also be taken more broadly – when you truly need or long for something, you value it more deeply once you have it.

5. Aithníonn ciaróg ciaróg eile

It takes one beetle to know another!

6. An old dog for a hard road

This old Irish quote means that experience wins out when times get tough – the “old dog” has the experience needed to tackle the task at hand.

7. Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin

There’s no hearth like your own hearth.

8. 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 explains that, as people/things age, they often become wiser/improve.

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

This famous 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.

10. 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 if it’s a feature of your person.

11. Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte

Your health is worth more than your wealth.

12. The longest way around is the shortest way home

It is one of the old Irish sayings made famous by James Joyce in his book ‘Ulysses’. It suggests that, sometimes, taking a more indirect route to achieve a goal can actually be more efficient in the long run.

13. No morning’s 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. This Seanfhocal is used to remind the listener that all good things come to an end.

14. You’ll never plough a field by turning it over in your mind

You can think about something all you like, but it’s only action that’ll get it accomplished.

15. The truth never choked a man

Telling the truth, no matter how hard it may be, won’t be the end of you.

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

This famous Irish proverb encourages the listener to be grateful for what they have, as there is always someone worse off.

17. Wilful waste makes woeful want

This nugget of Irish wisdom describes the consequence of wastefulness and extravagance. This suggests that deliberately squandering something can often lead to want in the future.

18. An empty sack cannot stand

The most accepted interpretation of this old Irish quote is that it describes a person doing manual labour who is in need of a break. Metaphorically, the “empty sack” represents the person – exhausted and in need of food and water.

Irish proverbs about life

Life in Ireland has never been short on lessons, from the patience learned in hard times to the humour found in everyday struggles.

The old Irish quotes about life below capture that blend of resilience, wit, and quiet wisdom that shaped generations. They remind us that life isn’t always easy, but it’s rarely without meaning.

1. Time and patience brings a snail to Cork

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

2. Is binn béal ina thost

A silent mouth is sweet to hear!

3. 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.

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

This bit of Irish wisdom suggests it’s wiser to invest in good food now than pay the doctor later for the damage done by bad eating.

5. Ní neart go cur le chéile

There’s no strength without unity.

6. The slow horse reaches the mill

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

7. 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.

8. Ní bhíonn saoi gan locht

There’s no wise man without fault.

9. Better to bend than to break

It’s better to stay flexible and adapt than dig your heels in and snap when things get tough.

10. Filleann an feall ar an bhfeallaire

Treachery returns to the traitor (i.e. what goes around comes around).

11. Ní bhíonn in aon rud ach seal

This too shall pass/no day lasts forever.

Famous Irish quotes for strength

The Irish have long faced hardship with grit, humour, and heart. While there are many Celtic symbols for strength, the quotes below capture that spirit perfectly.

Each offers lessons in courage, patience, and perseverance, all delivered with the sharp wit Ireland’s known for (see my Irish jokes guide for more laughs).

1. Is fearr rith maith ná droch-sheasamh

A good run is better than a bad stand. It’s wiser to walk away from a bad situation than fight a losing battle.

2. It’s often a person’s mouth that breaks their nose

Talking sh*te can get you in trouble.

3. He who has patience has everything.

A reminder that steady endurance achieves more than force.

4. Is fearr clú ná conach

Reputation is better than wealth. Character and integrity outlast money or power.

5. An rud is annamh is iontach

What’s rare is wonderful. True strength comes from valuing what’s uncommon, not chasing what’s popular.

6. It’s better to wear out than to rust out

It’s better to work hard and stay active than waste away doing nothing.

7. Is fearr beagán cabhrach ná mórán trua

A little help is better than a lot of pity. Real support matters more than sympathy.

8. There’s no use boiling your cabbage twice

Don’t waste energy on what’s already done – learn, move on, and focus forward.

9. You’ll never get dry by standing in the rain

If something’s dragging you down, change it – this bit of Irish wisdom advises that sitting in misery won’t fix a thing.

10. Is maith an scéalaí an aimsir

Time is a good storyteller. Patience reveals truth – give things time to show their outcome.

11. It’s a bad wind that doesn’t blow some good

Even tough times bring some benefit, if you’re sharp enough to see it.

12. A wild goose never reared a tame gosling

People follow the example they’re shown – this famous Irish proverb teaches that good breeds good.

13. You’ll never miss the cow until the stall is empty

You don’t value what you have until it’s gone – an old Irish quote to appreciate what’s in front of you.

14. It’s not a delay to stop and sharpen the scythe

Taking a moment to prepare or rest isn’t wasted time – it makes you stronger for what’s ahead.

Inspirational Celtic proverbs

Rooted in ancient Celtic wisdom, these Gaelic sayings go beyond everyday advice.

They speak of resilience, balance, and growth – timeless reminders that even life’s storms can shape strength and beauty.

1. Is fearr an t-imreas ná an t-uaigneas

Better quarrels than loneliness – a life of connection, even messy, beats isolation.

2. He who travels has stories

‘An té a bhíonn siúlach, bíonn scéalach’ – an Irish proverb that explains life broadens the mind more than books.

3. Ni bhíonn cuimhne ar an arán a hitear

Eaten bread is soon forgotten. Gratitude fades fast, so show it while it counts.

4. A good name is better than gold

Integrity outlasts wealth.

5. After every storm comes a clearing

‘Tar éis gach stoirme tagann aiteall’ – calm follows even the roughest weather.

6. There’s no life without a story

Every struggle adds a chapter.

7. A tree grows strong in the wind

Challenge shapes strength, not comfort.

8. The hill may be steep, but the view is worth it

This inspirational Celtic proverb teaches that effort makes reward meaningful.

9. The rain that soaks also feeds

Every setback carries something that helps you grow.

10. The stone in your path can build your foundation

Obstacles become strength if you use them well.

11. A calm sea never made a skilled sailor

You learn from the waves, not the still water.

12. Even a single spark can start a blaze

Change begins with one act of courage.

13. Better to light a candle than curse the dark

Small effort beats endless complaint.

The origins of Seanfhocal

The Irish word Seanfhocal means “old word,” and these sayings have been part of Irish life for centuries.

In Gaelic Ireland, long before literacy was common, wisdom was passed down orally through storytellers, poets, and seanchaí (see my guides to Irish mythology and Irish folklore).

Old Irish proverbs carried moral lessons, humour, and social insight in a form that was easy to remember and repeat.

Origins in Gaelic ireland

As the Irish language evolved from Old Irish, first seen in Ogham inscriptions, many of these Irish quotes survived through daily speech and storytelling rather than writing.

Monastic scribes later recorded fragments of this oral tradition in early manuscripts, giving us a glimpse of how deeply woven proverbs were into life.

From oral tradition to written record

By the medieval period, the sayings were used to teach, advise, and entertain.

They appeared in legal texts, poems, and religious writings, reflecting values such as patience, humility, and wit.

Lasting Irish wisdom

Even as English became dominant, these proverbs endured in both languages, carrying the rhythm and worldview of Ireland’s Gaelic past.

Today, they remain a living connection to a culture where words, well-chosen and memorably phrased, were seen as a measure of wisdom.