15 Irish Quotes and Proverbs

There is no shortage of Irish proverbs and quotes. The Irish are often known for their ability to create witty musings through a proverb or quote. St. Patrick's Day is a good time to use a few Irish proverbs or quotes, though any day of the year is a good day for some Irish wit or humor.

Many Irish quotes and proverbs have been passed down through generations. Irish blessings continue to be used at special occasions, and the clarity of the Irish proverb is still a sure bet for some good advice.

The fifteen Irish quotes and proverbs are just a small sampling of the many Irish quotes and proverbs found in both Ireland and in the United States.

1. "There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quieting."
by John Millington Synge

2. "The future is not set, there is no fate but what we make."
-Irish proverb

3. "A watched kettle never boils."
-Irish proverb

4. "Even absurdity has a champion to defend it."
by Oliver Goldsmith

5. "Distant hills look green."
-Irish proverb

6. "A wise man should have money in his head but not in his heart."
by Jonathan Swift

7. "Praise the child and you praise the mother."
-Irish proverb

8. "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
by John Fitzgerald Kennedy

9. "Laughter is wine for the soul-laughter soft, or loud, or deep, tinged with seriousness. The hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living."
by Sean O'Casey (1880-1984)

10. "Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege."
-Irish proverb

11. "May the road rise to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And rains fall soft on your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand."
-Irish Blessing

12. "Everyone is wise until he speaks."
-Irish proverb

13. "We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English."
by Winston Churchill

14. "Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity."
by Sean O'Casey

15. "It's easy to halve the potato when there's love."
-Irish proverb