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 necklace. This is a piece of jewellery to treasure.
Jeff Verner | Edgartown, Massachusetts, United States
Late Christmas shopping, I ordered online on Dec. 20th, and hoped, that the gift might POSSIBLY arrive by Christmas as the team was saying. The item arrived on Christmas Eve, even after a storm had delayed much travel/shipping/deliveries along the eastern US. Have ordered many other times in last few years, and the service was always top-shelf. Thank you Team. All the best in the New Year!
Louise Richardson | Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Vicky from 'My Irish Jeweler' was a pleasure to deal with from start to finish. They offered a very professional service. Our purchase was just perfect and the recipient of our gift was absolutely delighted and loved the folklore story behind the Children of Lir brooch. Would definitely recommend.
Thomas Gilliam | Sycamore, Illinois, United States
My wife loved it it was for our first wedding anniversary, she got a lot of compliments on it thank you very much
Eileen Blane | Buxton, United Kingdom
It was just wonderful receiving this beautiful specially designed silver brooch. I bought it in memory of my Irish aunt and it will give me great joy wearing it. Those who have seen it already think it is just great.Thank you for the lovely packaging as well.Eileen Blane
Bill Scott | March, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
I can summarise this piece in a single word - 'stunning'. Bought as a present for my wife, she adores it. Moreover, it is much admired, and commented on by all who see it. Initially, I had doubts about the broach because I thought that it would be too big but then I realised that President Mary Mc Aleese's version is 'oversized'. Buy with confidence, it is a beautiful piece of jewellery.
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