An Irish Birthday Blessing: Give Your Next Birthday Party that Unmistakable Irish Twist!

As in most cultures, a traditional Irish birthday blessing has historical roots. It can be seen as a way to boost the spirits, ward off bad luck, offer a gift (of words) ... or just to get a laugh on somebody's birthday!

Whatever your reason, you'll find a a great list of birthday blessings from Ireland below. Be creative about how you use them - in spoken words, on party napkins greeting cards or invitations, you get the idea!

Short and Sweet

To wish somebody a happy birthday in Gaelic, all you need to say is

La Breithe Shona Dhuit!

(Law breh-ha shun-ah ditch)

Share a Funny Irish Birthday Blessing

One humorous way to toast somebody having a birthday is to refer to age and health. But make sure you choose the moment wisely! Here are some examples:

May the doctor never earn a pound out of you

May you have a long life, a wet mouth and may you be buried in Ireland.

May you live to be 100 years with one extra year to repent.

We drink to your coffin. May it be built from the wood of a hundred year old oak tree that I shall plant tomorrow.

May the good Lord take a liking to you. But not too soon!

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you're going, and the insight to know when you've gone too far!

Offer a Sincere / Touching Irish Birthday Blessing

This blessing might be something a mother or father says to their child on their birthday, either when they wake up or when they go to bed. This particular blessing always ends with the line ‘bless you’ after each line.

When the first light of sun

When the long day is done

In your smiles and your tears

Through each day of your years

Bless you

Irish blessings about living a long and happy life are also very common on birthdays. Here is one of our favorites.

May you live a long life

Full of gladness and health

With a pocket full of gold

As the least of your wealth

May the dreams you hold dearest

Be those which come true

May the kindness you spread

Keep returning to you.

And here is another...

May you be blessed with warmth in your home,

love in your heart,

peace in your soul

and joy in your life.

There are Many More Irish Blessings to Be Learned!

If you like what you are seeing, let's not stop here. There are many, many more examples of Irish blessings and toasts for you to see here.

Some are humorous, some serious, all full of Irish wit and wisdom!

Want More Irish Sayings?

It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish wit and wisdom!  The age-old sayings of the Emerald Isle bring people together, making us laugh, love and sometimes shed a tear.

Learning Irish sayings gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!

We have captured many of our favorite Irish sayings in an e-book called "77 Favorite Irish Sayings."  In it you will find Irish proverbs, jokes, limericks, blessings, quotes and more!

This fun, free guide is available to you to download.  Answer two quick questions below to get instant access!

What's Next?

Heartfelt blessings are an essential part of Irish culture and heritage. Share them during special occasions, to celebrate Irish culture and express your personal Irish side!

For more information of this type, you may want to pay a visit to our main section on Irish Sayings here!

And you enjoyed this page in particular, please share your feedback, opinions and stories with your Irish Expressions community!  You can do that by visiting us on Facebook or Twitter.

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