Short Irish Blessings and Toasts: Share Irish Goodwill  During Memorable Moments!

Sharing short Irish blessings and toasts is one of the simplest and most memorable ways to express our Irish sides! A well-spoken (or written) word can lift the spirit and tone of any important occasion.

Here you will find fun, memorable and ... short  Irish blessings and toasts such as:

1. May your hair never fall out and your beard ever be bushy
2. May there be better legs under your table before the new crop is up
3. If you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough!
4. May you be many years in heaven before the devil knows you're dead!
5. May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness walk through your door!

Ready for more?  Here we go!

Short Irish Blessings and Toasts for Any Occasion

It should be no surprise that toasts and short Irish blessings are popular, both on the Emerald Isle and around the world.

In a culture that loves its drink, and believes deeply in the power of the spoken word, you will find a toast for just about everything.

You can find toasts for shaving in the morning

May your hair never fall out and may your beard be ever bushy

toasts for rolling out of bed

May the floor be toasty and your toasty floory

 - huh?

and even toasts to toast a toast

May your toasts be funny and your mug be frothy

Experts have studied Irish blessings and toasts over the years, and they have all come to two conclusions: 1) the Irish are always thirsty and 2) they are rarely at a loss for words!

Let’s take a look at a few toasts and short Irish blessings for some special Irish occasions.

A Toast to St Patricks Day

Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!

The toast above means “Happy St. Patrick’s Day”, and it is dished up along with the traditional corned beef and cabbage (and plenty of beer).

A Toast to an Irish Bachelor

May there be prettier legs under your table table before the new crop is up

Being a bachelor in Ireland is considered bad luck, so this toast is for those bachelors who are hoping to end up hitched or hooked up before the next celebration. You may need the luck of the Irish, but it could happen!

A Toast to Irish Luck

If you’re enough lucky to be Irish...You’re lucky enough!

A Toast to Good Fortune

May you have food and rainment

A soft pillow for your head

May you be many years in heaven

Before the devil knows your dead!

An Irish Wedding Toast

“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more.

And nothing but happiness come through your door.”

We love this blessing for weddings and other special occasions.  Click here for many more ideas on Irish wedding toasts.

A Toast to ... Having Another Drink

A bird with one wing can't fly

As depressing as this toast may sound at first, it's actually an example of Irish wit and double meaning; use it to encourage your companions to have a second drink!

Blessings for Specific Occasions

Now, let's explore short Irish blessings for specific occasions.  Each section offers one blessing, and a link to many more.

Short Irish Blessings:  Birthdays

May flowers always line your path,

And sunshine light your day.

May songbirds serenade you,

Every step along the way.

May a rainbow run beside you,

In a sky that's always blue.

And may happiness fill your heart,

Each day your whole life through.

May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.

May your heart be as light as a song.

May each day bring you bright, happy hours,

That stay with you all the year long.

Click the image to visit our article on Irish birthday blessings for many more examples - Breithlá Sona!

Short Irish Blessings:  Christmas

“The light of the Christmas star to you,

The warmth of home and hearth to you,

The cheer and good will of friends to you,

The hope of a childlike heart to you,

The joy of a thousand angels to you,

The love of the Son and God’s peace to you.”

For much more, tap the image to check out our page on Irish Christmas Blessings!

Or just wish everybody you meet a Happy Christmas - Nollaig Shona Duit!

Short Irish Blessings:  Weddings

May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward.

May you have – walls for the wind,

A roof for the rain,

And drinks beside the fire,

Laughter to cheer you

And those you love near you.

And all that your hearts may desire."

Don't look now – you’re expressing your Irish side!  For many more examples of Irish wedding blessings, visit our article here.

Short Irish Blessings:  Babies

May all the blessing of our Lord touch your life today

May He send His little angels

to protect you on your way

Such a wee little fit,

sent from above

Someone so precious

to cherish and love

If this leaves you wanting more, never fear!

You will find many, many more examples in our article on Irish Baby Blessings!

Want More Irish Sayings?

It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish wit and wisdom!  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 and quotes on many, many topics!

This fun, free guide is available to you to download.  Simply scroll to the bottom of the page and share your email address for instant access!

What's Next?

Short Irish blessings and toasts 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!

Until then ...

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

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