10 Irish Farewell Blessings That You Can Use

irish farewell blessings

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Sara LynchSara Lynch

Irish farewell blessings are ingrained into the local culture, they are used in many aspects of life, whether it’s wishing someone a safe journey home or honouring those who have passed and bringing comfort to mourners. 

Irish farewell blessings also have a lot of religious connotations, they harbour faith and ask for God’s goodwill to be bestowed upon the recipient. When giving someone an Irish farewell blessing, you ask for them to be held in God’s good grace.

Irish farewell blessings

Ireland is known for its rich language and culture, we have had many great writers come from the Emerald Isle with a knack for writing and a unique way with words. Irish farewell blessings are no different, they embody the country’s Christian heritage and wish the recipient good peace and happiness.

Check out these Irish farewell blessings below, and recite them when wishing someone a farewell:

1. May the sun shine, all day long, everything go right, and nothing wrong. May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true! 

2. May your blessings outnumber the Shamrocks that grow. And may trouble avoid you, wherever you go.

3. May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

Irish farewell blessing for death 

Sometimes, there are no words to express grief or to bring comfort to those who experience the unfairness of death. Irish farewell blessings work where words fail. Check out these Irish farewell blessings below. 

4. May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. Saint Patrick behold you.

5. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Irish prayer for the dead

In addition to blessing the event of a death, there is also a common Irish prayer said for the dead. This helps us remember whom we have lost, keeping them in our prayers and wishing them peace in the after life.

“O Lord, forgive the soul of our departed loved one, Cleanse them of all their faults and sins. Grant them eternal rest and peace, In the embrace of Your loving presence.

May their soul find solace and tranquility, As they journey to the eternal realm. May they be welcomed by angels and saints, And find everlasting joy in Your heavenly kingdom.

We pray for comfort and strength in our grief, As we mourn the loss of our beloved departed. Grant us the grace to find healing and peace, And to cherish their memory with love and gratitude.

O God, grant eternal light and rest to the departed, And grant us, their loved ones, the strength to carry on. In Your mercy and love, hear our prayer, For the soul of our dear departed, now and forever. Amen.”

This prayer is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and eternal peace for the departed soul. It also acknowledges the grief and loss experienced by those left behind, asking for comfort and strength during this difficult time.

What is the traditional Irish blessing?

The traditional Irish blessing is, “May the road rise up to meet you”. The below paragraph is a small exert of the full Irish farewell blessing. If you would like to hear the full version, however, be sure to check out the video below. 

6. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Irish farewell blessings

Irish death blessing in Gaelic

An Irish Farwell blessing can be given in Gaelic, which is the native language of Ireland. It brings comfort to those who have lost someone and it wishes the departed peace in the afterlife. 

7. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. 

This phrase literally translates to “May his/her/their soul be on God’s right hand”. It wishes those who have passed peace in the afterlife at God’s good grace. If you would like to hear more Irish farewell blessings that you can give to honour those gone, check out this page on Irish Urns.

Irish farewell blessing Gaelic

In Gaelic, saying goodbye is very much centred around the phrase to “have safety”. There are many different variations of saying goodbye in Gaelic, check out these variations of an Irish farewell blessing below. 

8. Slan, Agus Beannacht de leath (Goodbye and God Bless)

9. Slan mo chara (safe home my friend)

10. Slán agat (have safety) 

Check out this article for more ways to say goodbye in Irish.

Irish sayings about death

Irish sayings about death could almost be considered to be poetical, they offer words of comfort and help us in coming to terms with loss. check out some of these common sayings below.

  • The dead are not dead but alive in the hearts of those who loved them.

Translation: “Níl na mairbh marbh ach beo i gcroí na n-éan duine.”

This saying reflects the belief that although someone may physically pass away, their memory, impact, and spirit live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved them. It emphasises the enduring connection and influences that the departed have on those they leave behind.

  • Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Translation: “Fágann an bás pian nach féidir le haon duine leigheas, fágann grá cuimhne nach féidir a ghabháil.”

This saying acknowledges the profound pain and sorrow that comes with the loss of a loved one. It also highlights the enduring power of love, which creates cherished memories that cannot be taken away, even in the face of death.

  • A life well-lived leaves behind a beautiful legacy.

Translation: “Fágann saol maith ina dhiaidh oidhreacht álainn.”

This saying emphasises the importance of living a meaningful and purposeful life. It suggests that a life lived with integrity, love, and kindness will leave a positive and lasting impact on the world, becoming a legacy that continues to inspire and touch others even after death.

Irish goodbye sayings

In addition to Irish blessings, we also have a few good Irish goodbye sayings that include humour – something that the Irish are well known for. Check out these light-hearted ways of saying cheerio below.

  • May you always have a clean shirt, a clear conscience, and enough coins in your pocket to buy a pint!
  • May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you’re dead.

These Irish goodbye sayings reflect the warmth, humour, and well-wishes that re often associated with Irish culture.

Why do the Irish give farewell blessings? 

Ireland is a country with a rich presence of Catholicism and Christianity, Irish farewell blessings are an extension of this religious and cultural aspect. 

In Irish homes, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see a bottle of holy water by the door, or a cross that hangs overhead. When the Irish depart, they usually bless themselves with holy water or touch the cross as they exit. 

An Irish farewell blessing is simply an expression of religious faith and a way to share it with others. You also don’t have to be religious in order to value the meaning of an Irish farewell blessing, it is simply a well-wishing sentiment with religious connotations. 

If you would like to hear more about cultural practices in Ireland, check out this article to learn more about famous Irish traditions. 

Irish farewell blessing song

Many choose to include an Irish farewell blessing song for a funeral or memorial service to honour those who have past. Check out this beautiful Irish Farewell song below. 

Irish farewell blessings

Irish blessings for a wedding 

Irish blessings are not exclusive for bidding someone farewell, they can also be used to celebrate other milestones in life, wishing health and happiness that is guided by God’s good grace. 

Check out these Irish blessings below that you can use for wishing newlyweds a long and happy life. 

  • May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!
  • May you have love that never ends, lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, and may God send many blessings to you!
  • May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings, Slow to make enemies, Quick to make friends, But rich or poor, quick or slow, May you know nothing but Happiness from this day forward.

If you would like to hear more about how the Irish celebrate weddings, check out this article to learn about Irish wedding traditions.

Irish blessing for marriage 

The Irish also placed a high value on marriage and celebrating the journey of two kindred souls. Check out these Irish blessings for marriage and include them on anniversary cards and wedding gifts. 

  • Always remember to forget, The troubles that pass away. But never forget to remember The blessings that come each day.
  • May your love be like the rolling hills of Ireland, Evergreen and eternally beautiful. May your hearts be intertwined like Celtic knots, Strong and unbreakable in every season.
  • May your union be blessed with laughter and joy, And may you find comfort in each other’s embrace. May your dreams intertwine and become reality, As you walk hand in hand on this sacred journey of love.
  • May you always be each other’s rock and refuge, In times of both calm and stormy weather. May your love grow deeper with each passing year, And may your commitment remain unwavering together.
  • May the bond between you be a source of strength, And may your love be a shining example to all. May your marriage be filled with harmony and grace, And may your hearts forever answer love’s call.
  • May God’s blessings be upon your marriage, Filling your days with happiness and delight. May you cherish each other, now and always, And may your love continue to shine ever bright.

Irish blessing for new home

The Irish have developed many blessings that mark the key moments in life, one such as a new home. Check out these Irish blessings for a new home below. 

  • May your home be filled with laughter, And your walls be strong and true. May the roof above keep out the rain, And the warmth within be a comfort to you.
  • May your new home be a place of joy, Where love and happiness abound. May peace and blessings fill each room, And good fortune always be found.
  • May your new home be blessed with luck, And every corner filled with light. May it be a haven of happiness, Bringing you joy both day and night.
  • May your home be a shelter from the storm, And a sanctuary of love and peace. May it be a place where dreams come true, And all your worries find release.
  • May the hearth of your new home be warm, And the table always set with cheer. May friends and family gather close, Creating memories to hold dear.
  • May the blessings of the Irish be upon you, As you make this house your own. May it be a place of love and happiness, A sanctuary you can always call home.

Irish blessing about family

Honouring one’s family is very important within Irish culture, and it is seen in many Irish blessings, check some of them out below. 

  • May your family be blessed with love, And may your hearts always be true. May you find strength in one another, And share laughter in all that you do.
  • May the ties of family be strong, Like the roots of an ancient tree. May your love be a guiding light, And your bond be forever free.
  • May your family be surrounded by peace, And may harmony fill every day. May you find comfort in each other’s arms, And never stray from love’s gentle way.
  • May the blessings of family be yours, As you journey through life’s great maze. May you find solace in each other’s embrace, And may your love be a beacon of grace.
  • May your family be blessed with good health, And may happiness be your constant friend. May you find joy in the simplest moments, And may your love for each other never end.

Irish blessing for mother

Whether you want to give a new mother well-wished, or pay homage to your own, these Irish blessing for mothers are the perfect way to summarise how important they are.

  • May the grace of Mother Mary be upon you, As you navigate the beautiful journey of motherhood. May you find solace in the warmth of your children’s hugs, And may your love for them be a bond that is understood.”
  • May the blessings of a mother’s love surround you, Like a gentle rain that nurtures and uplifts. May you find peace in the selfless acts you do, And may your children always know your love’s gifts.
  • May you be blessed with the wisdom of generations past, And may your motherly instincts always hold true. May you guide and protect your children with grace, And may their love and appreciation for you always accrue.
  • May the hands that comfort and soothe your little ones, Be forever blessed with tenderness and care. May the love that fills your mother’s heart, Be a beacon of hope that’s always there.

Irish blessing for travel

The Irish are known for travelling to the far corners of the earth, so it’s of no surprise that there are a range of Irish blessings for travel, wishing a safe journey for loved ones as they discover new paths.

  • May your journey be guided by a gentle breeze, May the road be smooth beneath your feet. May the sun shine brightly upon your path, And may you find joy in each person you meet.
  • May your travels be filled with adventure, And may new experiences enrich your soul. May you discover beauty in every destination, And may your heart be forever whole.
  • May the winds carry you safely to your destination, And may you return home with stories to tell. May your travels be blessed with good fortune, And may you find peace in the places you dwell.
  • May the road rise up to meet you, May the journey be kind and true. May you find happiness in every mile, And may your travel dreams all come true.

Irish blessing for Christmas

Festive celebrations have been around in Ireland long before Christianity was introduced. In paganism, the 25th of December was considered to be the birthday of the sun, so it is no surprise that the Irish continue to mark the occasion with a blessing. Check them out below. 

  • May the blessings of Christmas fill your heart, With love, joy, and warmth from the start. May the spirit of the season shine bright, And guide you through each day and night.
  • May your Christmas be merry and bright, Filled with laughter, love, and delight. May the blessings of peace be with you, And may all your dreams come true.
  • May the magic of Christmas touch your soul, Filling your heart with love that makes you whole. May the spirit of giving be your guide, And may hope and happiness always reside.
  • May the beauty of Christmas surround you, Like a gentle snowfall sparkling and true. May the warmth of loved ones fill your home, And may you never feel alone.
  • May the joy of Christmas be in your heart, And may it stay with you as the days depart. May the light of the season guide your way, Bringing you peace and happiness each day.

Irish blessing for the New Year 

There are many Irish blessings for celebrating the New Year and wishing God’s good grace upon your loved ones. Check some of them out below. 

  • May the year ahead be filled with hope and promise, And may your dreams soar high and true. May you find strength in each new day, And joy in all that you pursue.
  • May you be blessed with good health and happiness, And may peace reside within your heart. May you find love and kindness wherever you go, And may your journey be guided by a heavenly art.
  • As you step into the New Year with hope and cheer, May blessings follow you each step of the way. May the days be filled with laughter and delight, And may success accompany you every single day.
  • May the coming year bring you abundant blessings, And may your spirit be forever bright. May you look back with gratitude and forward with anticipation, As you embrace the New Year with all your might.

Irish blessing for good luck

The luck of the Irish isn’t a common saying for no good reason, we are known for our lucky charm! Check out these Irish blessings for good luck and use them when you see fit.

  • May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night.
  • May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.
  • May luck be with you on every path you tread, And may joy and success be with you as you move ahead.
  • May good luck follow you wherever you go, And may blessings surround you, this I bestow. May your path be filled with abundance and cheer, For you deserve all the luck that is near.
  • May the Irish blessings of luck be yours, Bringing you joy and opening new doors. May the stars align in your favour each night, And may you walk in luck’s radiant light.

The importance of a farewell Irish blessing 

Irish farewell blessings are an important part of Irish culture. They are read aloud in memorial services, spoken in speeches, practised in prayers, inscribed on mass cards and sung aloud in hymns. 

It’s more than just saying goodbye, it’s wishing the recipient peace whether it’s in this life or the next. When you give an Irish farewell blessing, you ask God to watch over the person, keeping them safe and blessing their soul. 

2 commments on “10 Irish Farewell Blessings That You Can Use

    1. Hi Jackie, sorry to hear about your loss. This article is very popular on our website – https://www.connollycove.com/danny-boy-song-lyrics-history/ and we like this list of remembrance songs and poems – hopefully of some help:

      “Danny Boy” – Perhaps one of the most famous Irish ballads, traditionally sung to the tune of “Londonderry Air.” Its themes of departure and longing make it a poignant choice for farewells.

      “The Parting Glass” – An Irish traditional song often sung at the end of gatherings as a goodbye. Its lyrics speak of parting with good grace, making it a fitting tribute.

      “The Fields of Athenry” – A folk ballad about the Great Irish Famine, this song, while reflective of historical hardship, is also a testament to endurance and the Irish spirit, suitable for remembering a life well-lived.

      “Carrickfergus” – A beautiful, melancholy song longing for the Irish homeland. Its themes of longing and reflection can resonate deeply during a memorial service.

      “She Moved Through the Fair” – This hauntingly beautiful song tells a story of love and loss, with its ethereal melody fitting for a farewell.

      “Raglan Road” – Written by the Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh and set to music, this song speaks of unrequited love and loss, making it a deeply emotional choice.

      “The Wild Rover” – Often considered a lively drinking song, its inclusion can serve as a nod to a life lived with joy and spiritedness, celebrating the deceased’s life rather than focusing solely on mourning.

      “Down by the Sally Gardens” – Based on a poem by W.B. Yeats and set to music, this song’s gentle melody and reflective lyrics make it suitable for moments of remembrance.

      “Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?” (Wild Mountain Thyme) – A song of longing and the beauty of the Irish landscape, its uplifting melody can bring a sense of peace and comfort.

      “Farewell to Ireland” – An instrumental piece that can evoke deep emotions and nostalgia, suitable for reflection on one’s heritage and life journey.

      “Spancil Hill” – A traditional Irish ballad that tells the story of dreaming of returning to one’s homeland, filled with personal reflections and memories.

      “Mo Ghile Mear” – A traditional Irish song that means “My Gallant Darling,” expressing longing and admiration, it can serve as a touching farewell.

      Each of these songs carries its own unique sentiment and historical depth, offering a way to connect to Irish heritage while commemorating a loved one’s passing.

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