Irish Dads: Celtic fathers and their stories
Written by Gemma on May 30, 2025 | 0 Comments
Stepping out of a long shadow
The quintessential Irish Mother casts a long shadow - from books to twitter feeds to TV and Movies. But what about ‘himself’? Whether he is known as Dad, Daddy, Da, Pappa, the Old Man, the Aul Fella, or the Big Fella - the Irish Dad holds a special place in Irish peoples hearts.
Column Meaney as Dessie Curley in 'The Snapper' - the quintessential Irish "Da" for many. Not as famous as his female counterpoint, but just as loved.
Father’s Day in Ireland
Dads across Ireland are guaranteed some well deserved attention on Father’s Day. Here in Ireland, like in many parts of the world, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
It's a relatively new celebration here and unlike elsewhere, Father’s Day is not an official public holiday. But official holiday or not, the Irish have certainly embraced Father’s Day and many households around the country will mark June 15th this year.
Our own Jane is planning to take Ciarán to the beach with the family - but keep that to yourself so we don't ruin the surprise!
In a recent count, there were over 700,000 dads in Ireland. On Father’s Day, families will gather to celebrate their father or father figures. The day is typically marked by shared meals and stories, homemade cards and of course gifts!
Ciarán sporting a popular Father's Day gift - the Celtic Warrior Cross.
Stories of Irish Fathers
Although Father’s Day is a relatively recent celebration, honoring Fathers is by no means a new tradition here in Ireland or farther afield! A 4000 yr old Babylonian inscription in clay from a son wishing his father "good health and a long life" could be considered a sort of proto-Father’s Day card! And ancient stories and myths that celebrate Fathers and Father figures abound in Irish culture too!
A devoted Irish dad
There is the famous Irish story of King Lir, the devoted father who abandoned his castle to live by a lake to be near his children after they were cursed by their evil stepmother!
A Warrior King
The most famous, and last, High King of Ireland, Brian Boru built his legacy as a tireless warrior, and canny operator. He died in the famous battle of Clontarf fighting along side both his son and grandson. This warrior King's legacy lives on through his numerous descendants, and the famous O’Brien family name.
With the name meaning 'exalted one' or 'noble' the O’Brien shield motif bears three lions stacked vertically, symbolising the brave warrior roots of this family tree. Descendants from the greatest Irish High King, O’Briens are found throughout Ireland and worldwide, but especially in Brian's former stronghold, the Kingdom of Munster, in Counties Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
A hero dad
Many people will report their dad as one of their heroes, but the ultimate hero dad in Irish mythology is surely the god Lugh.
Also known as The Celtic God of Light, Lugh was a near unbeatable warrior, talented with a spear. But he was also a gifted artist and harpist and he is credited with teaching the Irish people how to harvest too. So an all round hero then!
He also passed on some impressive abilities and shared a few tricks with his son, the most famous of Irish warriors, Cú Chulainn. Lugh reportedly revived his wounded son on the battlefield in the famous The Cattle Raid of Cooley - Táin Bó Cúailnge. With his father's help, Cú Chulainn was able to fight on and eventually win the battle.
A depiction of Cú Chulainn in full flight in battle! He had some shoes to fill with a literal god as a father!
The ultimate father
The Dagda, also known as “ochaid Ollathair” or great father, was King of the Tuatha De Danann. The Tuatha De Danann were a supernatural race that ruled ancient Ireland before the age of the humans. The Dagda was a mythical figure of immense power with the ability to control life and death, the weather, time and the seasons.
He was the ultimate provider. His magical cauldron was said to be bottomless, from which no person left hungry. His children include the Celtic goddess Brigid. The story goes he is buried at Brú na Bóinne, site of the famous Newgrange.
Irish Father's Today
Irish Dads these days are certainly less fixated on battle than some of their ancient forbears! But they are still there to support, save the day, dole out a few bob whether you need it or not, lend a hand, or impart some useful knowledge.
Do you plan to mark Father's Day? You may want to wish him a Happy Father’s Day in irish - learn how with Ciarán!
And of course Happy Father’s Day or "Lá na n-Athaireacha Sona" to all you dads out there!
Father's Day Gifts
If you want to really treat "himself" this year, a piece of quality Irish jewellery is sure to impress. We know dads can be tricky to buy for - so if you need help choosing just drop us an email or give us a call. We would be happy to help.
Get In Touch
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Gemma
My Irish Jeweler
Gemma is our head jeweler. She is very passionate about jewelry and watches. Her favorite style is Tree of Life "because family and roots are so important to me".
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