The Children of Lir is one of the most talked about and favored Irish folklore legends. The designer of this magnificent brooch is Aidan Breen from Dublin. Aidan was commissioned to make the Children Of Lir brooch for our past President Mary Mc Aleese. The standard brooch is approx 2" in length, however the piece he made for our President is 3.5" and was worn on the lapel of her clothing for many state visits.

This Celtic myth is an intrinsic part of Irish folklore.

In ancient times King Lir ruled our land. He had four children, a girl and three boys. The children's mother died and King Lir remarried Aoife, daughter of King Bov the Red. The new stepmother was jealous of the four children and cast a spell on them to change them into four swans. The children were to spend three hundred years on the Sea of Moyle, three hundred years on Lough Derravaragh, and three hundred years on the sea of Erris.

The step-mother left the children with their voices and the gift of sound, When King Lir passed by the lake he was amazed to hear the swans calling his name. The Children told the King what happened and Lir came to live by the lake to be with his children and to listen to their beautiful singing voices. When the King died the children were left to spend their days on the stormy, cold lakes of Ireland.After spending nine hundred years on the lakes the spell was finally broken.

The children were transformed back into human form and legend has it they were some of the first people to be converted to Christianity.

With such beautiful history attached to this piece, it comes as no surprise as to why this brooch is so popular and, worn by many Irish people. Instantly recognized worldwide. The brooch shows the swans in flight tapering and graduating in size. The four swans had beautiful names, Aodh, Fionnuala, Fiachra, and Conn. Irish people continue to use these ancient names for their own children.

Made of Sterling Silver and finished to perfection. Also available in a Sterling Silver pendant. This is a piece of jewelry to treasure.