The Luck of the Irish: Meaning + Surprising Origins

The phrase “the luck of the Irish” dates back to at least the 19th century and is often linked to Irish immigrants who found success during the American Gold Rush.

Here’s some points to get you up-to-speed quickly (I’ll go into more depth below):

• Where the term originated: Irish miners discovering vast fortunes during the gold rush were the ‘inspiration’ for the Luck of the Irish saying
• Is it seen as offensive: In theory, yes. It was used as a way of explaining away the spoils of hard work as good old fashioned ‘luck’
• It’s use in modern days: In 2025 the term is almost exclusively used on memorabilia and it’s never used in Ireland

What does the Luck of the Irish mean?

Irish immigrants and first-generation Irish-American prospectors earned a reputation for striking gold during the 19th-century rush, leading to the phrase “the luck of the Irish.”

Rather than recognising their skill and determination, the term often suggested their success was purely down to chance.

Where did the Luck of the Irish originate?

The phrase “the luck of the Irish” originated in 19th-century America during the Gold Rush. Many successful miners were Irish immigrants, yet their fortunes were often attributed to luck rather than perseverance and skill.

Here’s some more detail on where it came from:

The origin of the saying

The story begins at a time when America was experiencing what is known as its ‘gold rush years‘. A number of major gold rushes took place throughout the 19th century across the world, but most notably in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the US.

When poor immigrants from Ireland started to make their way across to America at a time when the Great Famine was ravaging our little island, many took up jobs in the bustling mining industry.

Hard work, not luck

Put yourselves in the shoes of the Irish that would have arrived in the US at this point in time – they were leaving an Ireland that was crippled with food shortages, starvation and disease. Many that travelled to the US were doing so for one of two reasons:

• To find a job so that they could send money back home to feed their families
• To start a new life

Those that worked in the mines were quickly recognised as hard workers and diligent labourers that sometimes delivered better results than their American colleagues.

The discovery of fortunes led to the creation of the term

The story goes that the Irish had a knack of digging up mining fortunes during the gold rush. Was this luck?! Or was it pure determination to succeed?! After all, these people had just left a land rife with mass poverty and starvation and were surely just doing everything in their power to find, keep and excel at a job.

The chances are that they had people back in Ireland who’s lives relied on them. The miners that were working alongside Irish colleagues put their ability to source these mining fortunes down to sheer luck, rather than perseverance and diligence.

The Luck of the Irish saying is said to have followed successful miners from Ireland for the duration of the gold rush in America.

The history of the expression potentially verified

It would appear that the Luck of the Irish meaning and origin can be verified in a book by a Professor of History named Edward T. O’Donnell who wrote a book titled ‘1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History’.

In the book O’Donnell backs up the story mentioned above, saying ‘During the gold and silver rush years in the second half of the 19th century, a number of the most famous and successful miners were of Irish and Irish American birth’.

He goes on then to explain how their ability to locate mining fortunes led to the use of the term: ‘Over time this association of the Irish with mining fortunes led to the expression luck of the Irish.’

Fast forward to 2025 and the Luck of the Irish meaning is pretty blurred, with some America websites describing it as ‘Irish slang‘ (it definitely isn’t).

Irish luck sayings and phrases

Many Irish toasts and Irish blessings are used as ways of wishing someone good luck in Irish. Here are some of the most notable:

“May the luck of the Irish, Lead to happiest heights. And the highway you travel, Be lined with green lights.”

“May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings, Slow to make enemies, And fast to make friends!”

“Lucky stars above you, Sunshine on your way, Many friends to love you, Joy in work and play. Laughter to outweigh each care, In your heart a song, And gladness waiting everywhere, All your whole life long.”

“For each petal on the shamrock, This brings a wish your way, Good health, good luck, and happiness, For today and every day.”

Irish luck symbols

While there are many famous Irish symbols, only several are tied into luck.

The most common are:

• The four-leaf clover: A rare variation of the traditional shamrock, believed to bring good fortune to those who find one
• The shamrock: Famously linked to St. Patrick, is sometimes associated with luck due to its religious and cultural significance
• Leprechauns: These Irish mythological creatures, are said to guard hidden treasures, with legends claiming they grant wishes to those clever enough to catch them